Creator: Brevy Care Team
Published: 2026-06-04T16:10:39.526Z

To apply for Minnesota Medicaid, most people use ApplyMN, the state's online portal, though county and tribal human services offices and a toll-free phone line are also available. Minnesota's Medical Assistance program has two features families should know before they start: there is no Miller Trust requirement (the state uses a spend-down instead), and nursing-facility residents keep a $132 monthly Personal Needs Allowance, one of the highest in the country. This guide walks through every application channel, what documents to gather, and what to expect after you submit.

How to Apply for Minnesota Medicaid

Minnesota gives applicants four ways to submit a Medical Assistance application. Most people start online, but in-person and phone options are available for those who prefer them.

Online Through ApplyMN

ApplyMN is the Minnesota Department of Human Services online application portal. Go to applymn.dhs.mn.us and select "Apply for benefits." You can create an account to save progress, upload documents, and check your status, or apply without one.

For long-term care (nursing home or home and community-based services), select the Medical Assistance track for aged, blind, and disabled residents. The system prompts you to enter income and asset information and allows document uploads at the end.

Note for Medicare enrollees: MNsure (Minnesota's health insurance marketplace) handles Medicare Savings Programs, not long-term care Medical Assistance. If you need nursing home coverage or a home care waiver, apply through ApplyMN or your county office, not through MNsure.

At a County or Tribal Human Services Office

Every Minnesota county has a human services office that accepts Medical Assistance applications in person. Many tribal nations operate their own human services programs and can process applications for tribal members. County staff can help you complete the application, review documents on the spot, and answer questions about spend-down.

To find your county office, visit mn.gov/dhs or call 1-800-657-3739.

By Phone

Call 1-800-657-3739 to reach the county or tribal human services office serving your area. A worker can take your application over the phone, tell you which documents to submit, and explain how the spend-down process works in your county.

By Mail or Drop-Off

Download a paper application from mn.gov/dhs or ask your county office to mail you one. Complete it, attach copies of required documents, and mail or drop it off at your local county human services office. Keep a copy for your records.

Minnesota's Spend-Down: What It Means for Your Application

Minnesota is a 209(b) state and uses a medically needy spend-down rather than a Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust). This is different from many other states and matters for how your application is evaluated.

How it works. The medically needy income level (MNIL) is approximately $1,305/month for a single applicant and $1,764/month for a couple (effective July 1, 2025). If your income is above that level, you do not automatically fail. Instead, you "spend down" the excess by incurring medical and long-term care costs. Once your incurred costs bring your net income to or below the MNIL, you qualify for that period.

For nursing-facility residents. In a nursing home, most of your income goes toward your cost of care each month. The state calculates what you owe after allowing certain deductions, including the $132 Personal Needs Allowance, health insurance premiums, and specific medical expenses.

No Miller Trust needed. Unlike income-cap states (Texas, Florida, and others), Minnesota never requires you to set up a Qualified Income Trust to redirect income. If your income exceeds the MNIL, the spend-down pathway is the only route, and it does not require a separate trust document.

For a full breakdown of how Minnesota's income rules interact with eligibility, see our guide to Minnesota Medicaid eligibility and income limits.

Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Missing paperwork is the most common reason applications stall. Have these ready before you submit.

Identity and citizenship:

Social Security card or SSA benefit award letter
U.S. birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization
State-issued ID or driver's license
Already on Medicare? That card serves as proof of citizenship

Income:

Social Security award letter or the most recent SSA-1099
Pension and retirement income statements
Any rental income documentation
Last 30 days of pay stubs if still working

Assets and financial accounts:

Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts (current month, plus 3 months back)
Statements for CDs, stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts
Applying for nursing home or waiver coverage? Prepare 60 months of financial account statements. The look-back review covers the full five years.

Property and insurance:

Deed or property tax statement for any real estate
Life insurance policy documents (face value and cash surrender value)
Vehicle title or registration
Pre-paid burial or funeral contract

Medical expenses (for spend-down calculations):

Recent medical and hospital bills
Prescription drug receipts
Health insurance premium statements

Can Someone Else Apply on Your Behalf?

Yes. A family member, close friend, or authorized representative can submit the application for someone who cannot do so themselves.

An authorized representative can sign the application, provide documents, check status, and respond to county requests. The applicant (or their legal guardian) must sign a statement designating the representative. County offices can provide the form.

If the applicant lacks legal capacity, a person holding power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship can act as representative with documentation of that authority.

What Happens After You Apply

Once the county receives your application, a worker reviews it and may schedule a phone or in-person interview. Minnesota counties have up to 60 days to make an eligibility determination for most Medical Assistance applications (some complex long-term care cases may take longer).

If the county needs additional documents, respond promptly. A missed document deadline can trigger a denial even when the person would otherwise qualify.

You can check your status by:

Logging into your ApplyMN account at applymn.dhs.mn.us
Calling your county human services office at 1-800-657-3739
Visiting the county office in person

If approved, your Medical Assistance card and enrollment information will arrive by mail. Coverage can be backdated to the first of the month you applied, or in some cases up to three months retroactively.

Not sure where to start? Chat with Brevy's care navigator at brevy.com to walk through the Minnesota Medical Assistance application.

What Happens If You're Denied

You have 90 days from the date of the denial notice to request a fair hearing through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Request a hearing by contacting your county human services office or by writing to the DHS Appeals Division.

At the hearing, you can present documents, explain your situation, and challenge any incorrect findings. A hearing officer issues a written decision. If you disagree, you can appeal the outcome further.

For free help with denials and appeals, contact your county's human services office or a local legal aid organization (see below).

Where to Get Free Help

You do not have to figure this out alone.

County and tribal human services offices. Every county has workers who help with Medical Assistance applications at no cost. They know Minnesota's spend-down rules and can walk you through the process. Call 1-800-657-3739 or visit mn.gov/dhs for contact information.

Senior LinkAge Line. Call 1-800-333-2433 to reach Minnesota's statewide senior information and assistance line. Operated by the Minnesota Board on Aging, it connects older adults with local resources and can help answer benefit questions.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Minnesota has seven AAAs covering the entire state. They offer free benefits counseling for adults 60 and older and can help screen for Medical Assistance eligibility.

Medicaid planning attorneys and elder law attorneys. For complex situations, especially those involving a spend-down calculation or the look-back review, a qualified elder law attorney can identify options and protect assets within the law. This is particularly useful when transferring assets in the five years before applying. For general planning strategies, see our guide to Medicaid planning strategies.

Legal Aid organizations. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and other regional organizations provide free legal help to income-qualifying seniors with Medicaid applications and appeals.

Ready to apply for Minnesota Medicaid? Talk to Brevy's care navigator and get help with every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota require a Miller Trust to qualify for Medicaid?

No. Minnesota does not use Miller Trusts (Qualified Income Trusts). Instead, the state uses a medically needy spend-down. If your income exceeds the medically needy income level (roughly $1,305/month for a single applicant), you qualify by incurring medical and care costs equal to the excess. No separate trust document is required.

What is the asset limit for Minnesota Medical Assistance?

For a single applicant, the countable asset limit is $3,000. For a couple, it is $6,000. These limits are higher than the $2,000 federal default many other states use. The primary home (up to the $752,000 equity cap), one vehicle, household goods, and prepaid burial are not counted.

Can I apply for Minnesota Medicaid through MNsure?

MNsure handles the Minnesota Health Care Programs for people who are not on Medicare, plus Medicare Savings Programs. It does not handle long-term care Medical Assistance (nursing home or home care waiver coverage). If you need long-term care coverage, apply through ApplyMN or your county human services office.

How long does the Minnesota Medicaid application take?

Most counties process applications within 60 days. The clock can slow down if documents are missing. Respond to any county information requests quickly. If you have not heard back after 60 days, call your county office or contact 1-800-657-3739.

Can Minnesota Medicaid recover from my estate after I die?

Yes. Minnesota pursues estate recovery for long-term care Medical Assistance recipients who were 55 or older when they received services, as required by federal law. Exceptions apply for surviving spouses, dependent children, and certain hardship cases. For more detail, see our guide to Medicaid estate recovery explained.

What is the Personal Needs Allowance in Minnesota?

Nursing-facility residents on Medical Assistance keep $132 per month for personal expenses. This is one of the highest Personal Needs Allowances in the country and is set by state law. It is not included in the income contributed toward cost of care.

Learn More

Find personalized help applying for Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance) at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.

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