Family Tree Clinic

MNSure and You

Navigating the Minnesota Health Insurance Marketplace

Family Tree is happy to assist patients and community members with queer and trans focused MNsure Navigation. Please contact our certified MNsure Navigator at awelch@familytreeclinic.org or 612-454-0738 to set up an appointment.

What is MNsure?

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. MNsure acts as a “single front door” for Minnesotans to apply for health insurance, including public health programs like Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare, as well as private health insurance with tax credits.

What is the difference between Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare?

Both are public health insurance programs. MA is Minnesota’s Medicaid program. MA has a lower income limit and members do not pay monthly premiums. MinnesotaCare provides a low-cost health insurance option for those who have higher income levels than those eligible for MA and who do not have access to affordable employer-sponsored health insurance. Unlike MA, MinnesotaCare members may have to pay a monthly premium to keep their coverage (see this MinnesotaCare premium estimator table).

Medicare is a separate federal insurance program for some people with disabilities and/or adults 65 and older.

THe mnsure marketplace includes
*Income limits for single adults effective until 12/31/24

FAQ

You can find the income limits for MA, MinnesotaCare, and tax credits for private insurance through MNsure here.

MA, MinnesotaCare, and private health insurance plans through MNsure are not allowed to exclude coverage for medically necessary gender affirming health care services. In general, hormone care is covered for minors and adults. MA and MinnesotaCare may also cover gender affirming surgeries, including top surgeries, bottom surgeries, and hair removal. 

Because what is considered “medically necessary” can vary by insurance company, individual plans may vary or require additional paperwork for coverage for certain medications or services. Contact your insurance company and/or Family Tree Clinic for help navigating your specific plan. Rainbow Health’s Gender Care Access Project may also be able to help you if you experience an insurance denial for gender affirming care.

If you are eligible, you can apply and enroll in MA or MinnesotaCare at any time. If you need to enroll in a private plan, you can only enroll during Open Enrollment (typically in November and December) or during a special enrollment period within 60 days of a qualifying life event like losing other coverage or moving to Minnesota.

Most people can apply for MA, MinnesotaCare, and tax credits for private insurance through MNsure.org. Some people may need to apply on paper, including individuals with DACA status, children in foster care, and certain individuals with disabilities.

If you have had public or private insurance through MNsure before, including as a child on your family’s application, you may not be able to submit a new application through MNsure.org. Contact the program you were enrolled in for your next steps.

If you are not sure which program you were enrolled in, contact the MNsure Contact Center.

Most people on MA or MinnesotaCare will be asked to complete a renewal form every year to keep coverage. Look up your renewal month and update your contact information if it has changed to ensure you are getting updates about your renewal. You should receive a renewal form and instructions in the mail when it is time to renew (you may also be able to find notices posted to your online MNsure.org account under “Notifications”).

  • If you or anyone in your household has MA: Visit this DHS page for renewal instructions. You can submit your renewal directly to your county or tribal agency online or by fax, mail, or in person drop off. If you are in Hennepin County and your coverage is still active, you can submit your renewal forms and proofs online through InfoKeep.
  • If you have MinnesotaCare: Visit this MinnesotaCare FAQ for renewal instructions. You must fax, mail, or drop off your renewal form (there is no online option).

After you submit your renewal, keep an eye out for a notice that your renewal was approved or if you need to submit additional documents to keep your coverage, such as proof of income (commonly in the form of pay stubs or tax returns). To avoid delays in processing, if you are making any income, we recommend submitting proof of income from the last 30 days along with your initial renewal. Write your case number on every page of your renewal form and attached documents before submitting.

You can submit your renewal form and proofs for MA and MinnesotaCare up to four months late. After that, you may need to reapply. You can reapply at any time.

If you have private coverage through MNsure: Report changes to the MNsure Contact Center within 30 days of the change

It depends. Being offered or being enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance is not a barrier for MA, but it may be for MinnesotaCare and for receiving tax credits for private plans through MNsure. Read more about how employer-sponsored insurance affects eligibility here.

Please contact our certified MNsure Navigator at awelch@familytreeclinic.org or 612-454-0738 to set up an appointment. You can also search to find a certified MNsure Navigator in your area.