The Minnesota Legislature has acted to end MinnesotaCare eligibility for adults who are undocumented in the state. The mandated changes took effect on Sunday, June 15. 

Kids under the age of 18 who are undocumented and from low-income families will keep their coverage and can continue to apply and gain new eligibility. After coverage begins for eligible undocumented kids, it can last up until the month after a child’s 18th birthday. 

Adults who are undocumented and currently covered remain eligible for the program through the end of 2025. Those who had coverage on Sunday, June 15, 2025, will keep it through the end of the year as long as they continue to pay their premium if they have one and meet the income and other eligibility factors. Coverage for these adults will end at the close of the day Dec. 31. 

Any new applications for coverage will be denied for Minnesotans age 18 or older who are undocumented. 

MinnesotaCare eligibility remains available for low-income Minnesotans who are:

• U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals 
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals grantees, also known as DACA or Dreamers.
• Residents who are lawfully present, as defined in the Minnesota Health Care Programs Eligibility Policy Manual.
• Undocumented children under age 18.

In the next couple weeks, while the MinnesotaCare eligibility system is updated, applications submitted by undocumented adults might be approved in the online system. However, those adults will receive a denial letter in the mail soon after in compliance with the change made by the Legislature. This will create confusion for people. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is educating partners about the issue to minimize problems. The state is expediting the IT updates to the fullest extent possible; however, it will not be an ideal consumer experience until system changes are completed.

Minnesotans who need care and have no insurance still have some options.

• Emergency Medical Assistance remains available for people who are undocumented. This program pays for emergency care.
• Medical Assistance is available to any pregnant person regardless of immigration status and for 12-months postpartum, or after giving birth. Medical Assistance is also available for people receiving services at the Center for Victims of Torture.
• Minnesotans can receive health care from Minnesota Health Centers regardless of your ability to pay. Find a health center near you at www.mnhealthcenters.org/find-healthcare. 
• Minnesotans may be eligible for low-cost insulin through the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. Learn more at mninsulin.org.

DHS will share more information as it become available.