How Minnesota Care Payments Work and Where Your Money Goes
What Minnesota Care Is and How You Pay It
Minnesota Care is a state health insurance program for adults and children who don't may have access to for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) but can't afford private insurance. If you're enrolled, you pay a monthly premium — the amount depends on your household income and family size. The state sets the premium, not your employer or an insurance company.
Your payment goes directly to the state of Minnesota, not to a doctor or hospital. The state uses that money to pay for your medical visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and other covered services. You don't pay the provider separately for those things — that's what the premium covers.
Minnesota Care premiums are income-based, meaning they scale with what you earn. If your income changes, your premium changes. The program recalculates your premium once a year, usually in the fall, based on tax information the state receives.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota Care premiums are set by the state and based on your household income; you pay monthly to keep your coverage active.
- You can pay by mail, phone, or online through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
- If you miss a payment, your coverage can be suspended, but you have a grace period to catch up before it ends completely.
- If your income drops, you may pay less; if it rises, your premium will increase at your next annual renewal.
- You can change your payment method or amount at any time by contacting the state or updating your account online.
How to Make Your Minnesota Care Payment
The Minnesota Department of Human Services sends you a bill each month showing what you owe and when it's due. You have three main ways to pay: by mail, by phone, or online through the state's website.
By mail: Write a check or money order and send it to the address on your bill. Include your Minnesota Care ID number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to reach the state, so send it early if your due date is coming up.
By phone: Call the Minnesota Department of Human Services at the number on your bill. A representative can take your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. This is the fastest way if you're close to your due date.
Online: Log into your account on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Online payments usually post within one business day.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If your payment is late, the state doesn't immediately cancel your coverage. You get a grace period — usually 30 days from your due date — to pay without losing your health insurance. During this time, your coverage stays active and you can still see doctors and fill prescriptions.
If you don't pay by the end of the grace period, your Minnesota Care coverage is suspended. You won't be able to use your insurance card, and you'll be responsible for the full cost of any medical care you receive. The state will send you a notice before this happens, giving you time to catch up.
If you're having trouble paying, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services before your payment is due. They can discuss your options, which may include a payment plan or a review of your income to see if your premium should be lower.
When Your Premium Changes
Your Minnesota Care premium is recalculated once a year based on your household income. If you got a raise or a second job, your premium will go up at your next renewal. If your income dropped — because you lost hours, changed jobs, or had a life change — your premium will go down.
The state uses tax information to verify your income, so if you think your premium is wrong, you can request a review. You'll need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income. If the state agrees your income is lower, they'll adjust your premium and may owe you a refund for overpayments.
You can also report a major income change during the year — like a job loss or a significant cut in hours — and ask for an immediate review instead of waiting for your annual renewal. The sooner you report it, the sooner your premium can be adjusted.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
If you want to pay the same amount every month without having to remember to send a check or log in online, you can set up automatic payments. The state will deduct your premium from your bank account on a date you choose, usually a few days before it's due.
To set up automatic payments, log into your account on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website or call the number on your bill. You'll need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Once it's set up, you don't have to do anything — the payment happens automatically each month.
If your premium amount changes at your annual renewal, the automatic payment adjusts automatically. If you need to stop automatic payments or change the amount, you can do that online or by phone anytime.
What to Do If You Can't Afford Your Premium
Minnesota Care premiums are designed to be affordable based on income, but if you're struggling to pay, there are steps you can take. First, make sure the state has your current income information. If your situation has changed since your last renewal, report it right away — your premium may be lower than you think.
If you've reported your income and the premium is still too high, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to discuss your options. They can explain whether you might be better served by a different program, like Medical Assistance, which has no premium for people with very low income. They can also help you understand whether you're may have access to to any cost-sharing reductions that lower your out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and prescriptions.
If you're temporarily unable to pay, call before your payment is due. The state may be able to work with you on a payment plan or temporarily adjust your coverage while you get back on your feet.
Your Payment Records and Proof of Coverage
Keep records of every Minnesota Care payment you make. If you pay by mail, keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt. If you pay online or by phone, save your confirmation number. These records prove you paid on time if there's ever a dispute.
Your Minnesota Care ID card is your proof of coverage. Carry it with you to every doctor's visit, hospital stay, and pharmacy. If you lose your card, you can print a temporary one from your online account or call the state to have a new one mailed to you.
You can also check your payment history and coverage status anytime by logging into your account online. This shows you which payments have been received, which are pending, and when your coverage renews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Minnesota Care premium with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website or by phone. Some people use a credit card to earn rewards, but be aware that you'll still owe the credit card company later — paying with a credit card doesn't reduce what you owe to the state.
What if I move to a different state?
Minnesota Care only covers you while you live in Minnesota. If you move, your coverage ends on the last day of the month you move. You'll need to look into health insurance options in your new state. Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to end your coverage and ask about the process.
Do I have to pay Minnesota Care if I'm also on Medical Assistance?
No. If you're on Medical Assistance (Medicaid), you don't pay a premium and you're not enrolled in Minnesota Care. The two programs are separate. If you think you might may have access to for Medical Assistance instead, contact the state to ask about switching.
Can I change my payment due date?
Yes. You can request a different due date by contacting the Minnesota Department of Human Services online or by phone. They can move your due date to match when you get paid, which makes it easier to remember and pay on time.
What happens to my Minnesota Care if I get a job with health insurance?
You should report the change to the state right away. If your new job's health insurance is affordable, you may no longer be may be able to access for Minnesota Care. The state will review your situation and let you know whether your coverage continues or ends. If it ends, you'll have a chance to switch to your employer's plan during open enrollment or as a new hire.