Minnesota
What is Minnesota’s Medicaid Long-Term Care Program?
Known as Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota, Medicaid is a government-supported healthcare program for low-income individuals, including seniors aged 65 and older. Minnesota Medicaid covers a range of long-term care services, including nursing facilities, assisted living, adult foster care, and in-home support that helps older adults remain independent in their own homes.
What Types of Medicaid Long-Term Care Options Are Available in Minnesota?
What is Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid?
This option is guaranteed for those who qualify and provides benefits exclusively within licensed nursing homes.
What are Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?
These programs are not guaranteed and may have waiting lists. They aim to postpone or prevent nursing home placements by offering services at home, in adult day care, adult foster care, or assisted living environments.
What is Regular Medicaid for Elderly, Blind, or Disabled Individuals?
This entitlement program supports those who meet specific criteria by offering a range of long-term care services such as help with daily activities or adult day programs.
What Are the Income and Asset Limits to Qualify for Long-Term Care Medicaid?
What Are the Basic Financial Criteria for a Single Applicant in 2025?
To qualify for Nursing Home Medicaid, a single individual must have:
- Monthly income below $1,305
- Assets under $3,000
- A medical need consistent with nursing home-level care
What Does the 2025 Medicaid Eligibility Table Look Like for Seniors?
| Type of Medicaid | Single | Married (both applying) | Married (one applying) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid | $1,305 income / $3,000 assets / Nursing Home | $1,764 income / $6,000 assets / Nursing Home | $1,305 income (applicant) / $3,000 applicant assets & $157,920 non-applicant assets / Nursing Home |
| Medicaid Waivers / HCBS | $2,901 income / $3,000 assets / Nursing Home | $5,802 income / $6,000 assets / Nursing Home | $2,901 income (applicant) / $3,000 applicant assets & $157,920 non-applicant assets / Nursing Home |
| Regular Medicaid / Elderly, Blind, Disabled | $1,305 income / $3,000 assets / Help with ADLs | $1,764 income / $6,000 assets / Help with ADLs | $1,764 income / $6,000 assets / Help with ADLs |
*Most of the beneficiary’s income must go toward nursing home care, aside from specific allowances.
What Counts as Income and How Is It Treated?
Which Types of Income Are Considered?
Most income sources, such as wages, pensions, and Social Security, are counted. However, some types like Holocaust restitution payments are excluded. Minnesota includes VA Aid & Attendance benefits as countable income.
How Is Income Treated for Married Couples?
For nursing home or waiver programs, only the applying spouse’s income counts. The non-applicant spouse may qualify for a spousal income allowance. From July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, this minimum allowance is $2,645 per month and may go up to $3,948 based on housing costs.
What About Income for Regular Medicaid?
For Regular Medicaid, income from both spouses is counted. Spousal impoverishment protections do not apply.
What Assets Are Counted and Exempt Under Medicaid?
Which Assets Are Considered Countable?
Bank accounts, investments, and real estate (excluding the primary home) are considered countable. In Minnesota, retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are also included.
What Assets Are Exempt?
One’s primary residence, personal items, furnishings, and one vehicle are typically excluded.
How Are Assets Treated for Married Couples?
Assets are combined regardless of who applies. For nursing home or HCBS Medicaid, the non-applicant spouse can retain up to $157,920 in 2025 under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA).
What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Rule in Minnesota?
The state reviews financial records for the 60 months prior to application to check for asset transfers made below market value. Any violations may result in a period of ineligibility.
How Does Home Ownership Affect Medicaid Eligibility?
Can a Home Be Excluded from Countable Assets?
Yes, if the applicant or their spouse lives there. If no spouse resides there, the applicant must declare intent to return. There is also a home equity limit of $730,000 (2025).
What Is the Estate Recovery Rule?
Although a home may be exempt during eligibility, it may be subject to estate recovery after death to repay care costs unless proactive planning occurs.
What Are the Medical or Functional Requirements for Long-Term Care?
Eligibility is based on a medical need, typically requiring a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). For Regular Medicaid, a need for help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may suffice.
Can Someone Qualify If They Exceed Income or Asset Limits?
What Is the Medically Needy Pathway?
Applicants with high medical expenses can “spend down” excess income to become eligible. The income limit is $1,305/month (single) or $1,764/month (couple), with a six-month calculation period.
What Is the Asset Spend Down Process?
Excess assets can be converted into exempt ones through approved expenses, such as home modifications or debt repayment. However, asset transfers must avoid violating the Look-Back Rule.
What Is Medicaid Planning?
Planning strategies are available for those over the limits who still can’t afford long-term care. Certified Medicaid Planners help families preserve assets while achieving eligibility.
What Specific Medicaid Programs Serve Seniors in Minnesota?
Elderly Waiver (EW)
This waiver supports seniors in home or community settings, allowing them to self-direct care or use agency providers. Family members, including spouses, can be hired as caregivers.
Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program
Now transitioning to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), this program helps with ADLs and allows participants to choose their caregivers, including relatives.
MSC+ and MSHO Managed Care Plans
These plans combine Medicaid (and Medicare for MSHO) benefits, including personal care and acute medical services under one plan.
Money Follows the Person Program
This initiative, also called Moving Home Minnesota, assists institutionalized individuals in transitioning back to community living.
How Can Seniors Apply for Minnesota Medicaid?
To begin the application process, seniors can:
- Call the Minnesota Health Care Programs Member Help Desk at 1-800-657-3739 or 651-431-2670
- Apply in person at a local county or tribal office
- Download an application or apply online via MNsure
- Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 for guidance
Why Consider Medicaid Planning Before Applying?
Because the application process is complex and errors can delay or deny coverage, working with a Medicaid planning professional can be a smart step, especially for applicants unsure of their eligibility.
