How MinnesotaCare Payments Work and What Happens If You Miss One
MinnesotaCare is a state health plan, and you pay premiums like any other insurance
MinnesotaCare is Minnesota's public health insurance program for people who don't have employer coverage and don't may have access to for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). You pay a monthly premium based on your income, and the state covers your medical costs above that. The payment itself works like any other monthly bill: you owe it on a set date each month, and if you don't pay, your coverage can stop.
The amount you pay depends on your household income and size. MinnesotaCare uses a sliding scale, so lower-income households pay less. You'll receive a bill each month showing what you owe, and you can pay by mail, phone, or online through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
Key Takeaways
- MinnesotaCare premiums are based on your income and household size, and you receive a bill each month for the amount due.
- If you miss a payment, you have a grace period before your coverage stops, but the exact length varies depending on when you enrolled.
- You can pay by mail, phone, or online through the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and payments are processed through ACH or check.
- If your income changes, you must report it within 30 days so your premium is recalculated—paying too much or too little can create problems later.
- If you fall behind on payments, contact MinnesotaCare directly to discuss payment plans or temporary relief options before your coverage ends.
How to pay your MinnesotaCare premium each month
You have three ways to pay: by mail, by phone, or online. Mail payments go to the address printed on your bill—typically the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Phone payments are processed by calling the MinnesotaCare customer service line, which is listed on your bill or renewal notice. Online payments can be made through the state's secure portal, where you can also set up automatic monthly payments.
If you set up automatic payments, the state will deduct your premium from your bank account on the same date each month. This is the most reliable way to avoid missing a payment. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same online portal or by calling customer service.
Payments are processed as ACH transfers (electronic bank withdrawals) or by check, depending on your method. ACH payments usually clear within one to three business days. Check payments take longer, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late payment.
What happens if you miss a MinnesotaCare payment
MinnesotaCare gives you a grace period after your payment is due. If you miss a payment, you are not immediately dropped from coverage. The grace period is typically 30 days from the due date, though this can vary. During the grace period, your coverage remains active, but you are considered delinquent.
If you don't pay by the end of the grace period, your coverage will be terminated. Once terminated, you lose access to all MinnesotaCare benefits, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care. You will receive a notice before termination telling you the exact date your coverage will end.
If your coverage is terminated for non-payment, you can reapply once you pay the full amount owed. However, there may be a waiting period before your new coverage begins. It is much easier to contact MinnesotaCare before the grace period ends and work out a solution.
What to do if you can't pay your premium on time
Call MinnesotaCare customer service as soon as you know you will miss a payment. Explain your situation—job loss, unexpected expense, medical emergency—and ask about your options. The state may be able to work with you on a payment plan, allowing you to pay part of your premium now and the rest over several months.
If your income has dropped, you may also be able to request a recalculation of your premium. MinnesotaCare premiums are based on income, so if you've lost income or had hours cut, your premium should go down. You'll need to report the change and provide proof, such as a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer. This process can take a few weeks, but it may lower your monthly payment going forward.
Some people also may have access to for other assistance programs that can help with health insurance costs. Contact your local community action agency or call 211 Minnesota to learn what programs may be available in your area.
Why you must report income changes to MinnesotaCare
Your MinnesotaCare premium is recalculated based on your income. If your income changes—you get a raise, lose a job, start a side business, or have a change in household size—you must report it within 30 days. Failing to report changes can create problems.
If your income goes up and you don't report it, you may be paying less than you should. The state can demand repayment of the difference later, or your coverage could be terminated for underpayment. If your income goes down and you don't report it, you'll keep paying a higher premium than necessary, wasting money you may not have.
Report income changes through the same online portal where you pay your premium, or call customer service. You'll need to provide proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a termination letter, or a tax return. Once the state processes your report, your new premium will take effect the following month.
How MinnesotaCare premiums are calculated and what affects the amount
MinnesotaCare uses a sliding scale based on your household income as a percentage of the federal poverty level. The lower your income, the lower your premium. The state also considers your household size—a family of four pays differently than a single person at the same income level.
Your premium is set when you first enroll and is recalculated each year during your renewal period. If your income has changed since your last renewal, your premium will be adjusted. The state sends you a renewal notice each year with your new premium amount and the date it takes effect.
Some people also may have access to for cost-sharing reductions, which lower your out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and prescriptions. These are separate from your premium and are based on the same income calculation. If you think you may have access to, ask about them when you enroll or renew.
What happens to your MinnesotaCare coverage if you move out of Minnesota
MinnesotaCare only covers residents of Minnesota. If you move to another state, your coverage will end on the last day of the month in which you move. You must notify MinnesotaCare of your move as soon as possible so the state can process the termination and stop billing you.
When you move, you'll need to find new health insurance in your new state. You may may have access to for Medicaid or a marketplace plan, depending on your income and the state's rules. Contact your new state's health insurance office or visit Healthcare.gov to learn about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MinnesotaCare premium with a credit card?
MinnesotaCare does not accept credit card payments directly. You can pay by check, ACH transfer, or automatic bank withdrawal. Some payment processors may allow you to use a credit card to fund a bank account, but you would be responsible for any fees charged by that processor.
What if I paid late but my payment was still processed?
A late payment that is processed will still count toward your account, and your coverage will remain active. However, you may be charged a late fee depending on your plan terms. Check your bill or contact customer service to confirm whether a fee was applied and what your current balance is.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid my MinnesotaCare premium?
Yes. If you've paid more than you owe, the state will issue a refund. Contact MinnesotaCare customer service with your account number and payment details, and they will process the refund to your original payment method. Refunds typically take two to four weeks.
Do I have to pay MinnesotaCare premiums if I'm also on Medical Assistance?
No. Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) is free and covers the same services as MinnesotaCare. If you may have access to for Medical Assistance, you should enroll in that program instead. Contact your county human services office to learn whether you may have access to.
What if my employer offers health insurance after I've enrolled in MinnesotaCare?
If you gain employer coverage, you must report it to MinnesotaCare within 30 days. Your MinnesotaCare coverage will end, and you'll stop being billed. If you've already paid for the month in which your employer coverage begins, you may receive a refund for the unused portion.