Mixed-Eligibility Guide

When you apply online through MNsure, you can apply for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare at the same time.

Different rules apply for children, pregnant people, and people with disabilities.

This means some people in the same family could qualify for different coverage.

Mixed-Eligibility Households

When one or more people are eligible to buy a plan through MNsure and someone else is eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you have a mixed-eligibility household. 

This could look like:

• A single parent has a health plan through MNsure. Their kids have Medical Assistance.
• A pregnant person has Medical Assistance during pregnancy. Their spouse has a health plan through MNsure.
• A child with a disability has Medical Assistance under the TEFRA option. The rest of the family has a health plan through MNsure. 

Because you have different types of insurance, your information is shared between two systems.

Understanding the Two Systems

MNsure System: This is likely the online account you used to apply for health coverage. You use this system to check eligibility for tax credits and pick a health plan from an insurance company.

Department of Human Services System: This is the system that checks eligibility for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. This system is often used by your county or Tribal agency.

• If you apply in the human services system and are eligible to buy a health plan through MNsure, you’ll need a MNsure account to pick a plan and enroll. Our system will create one for you automatically. You will get a message from MNsure to claim your account. 

Important: These two systems have different logins and passwords.

What Information is Shared Between Systems

When you first apply: Your application info can move securely between the systems.

• Behind the scenes: If it looks like anyone in your household qualifies for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, we send the information to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for an official eligibility review. You don’t have to fill out a separate application.

To update your information later: When you log in to your MNsure account and report any changes, that information "syncs" (sends a copy) to the human services system each night.

• If you report a change after 6 pm, your county or Tribal agency may not see the information until the next day.

TIP: Use your MNsure account to update your information online. If any agency asks you to send proof, respond right away.

Where to Go to Manage Your Information

Use this table to see how to update your details.

What do you want to change?	Use your MNsure Account	Contact your County or Tribal Office
Example: Your home address	✓
Example: Your income	✓
Example: Adding a new baby		✓ - Report your newborn to your county or Tribal office.
Example: Tax filing status	✓
Example: Your phone number	✓

TIP: If you have a change that needs immediate action—like an urgent medical need—you should contact your county, Tribal agency, or the Department of Human Services. 

A Note on Your Mail

In a mixed-eligibility household, you will get letters from both MNsure and the Department of Human Services. You may get mail from your county or Tribal office, too.

• Read carefully! One letter might be about your MNsure plan renewal, while the other is about your child’s Medical Assistance.
• Check the logo: Look at the top of the letter to see which agency is writing to you.

Common Questions for Mixed-Eligibility Households

If I applied in the human services system, do I also need a MNsure account?

Yes—check your email! 

If anyone in your household is eligible to buy a health plan through MNsure, our system will create a MNsure account for you. Watch for a message from noreply@system.mnsure.org asking you to claim your MNsure account.

You will need a MNsure account to pick a plan online and enroll.

How will I get information about my Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care coverage? 

Any information about Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare coverage will come in the mail. A MNsure-certified navigator also can help you:

• Enroll in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare
• Renew your coverage
• Report household changes
• Keep your information up to date