Health Insurance in Minnesota

Find plans and explore healthcare options in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Understanding Minnesota's Healthcare System

Minnesota has a well-established healthcare framework featuring its own state-based health insurance marketplace, **MNsure** (MNsure.org). MNsure serves as the primary portal for individuals and families to shop for private health insurance plans and access federal financial assistance. The state also embraced the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by expanding its Medicaid program, known as **Medical Assistance (MA)**. Additionally, Minnesota offers a unique program called **MinnesotaCare**, which provides low-cost coverage for residents with incomes slightly above MA limits but still below 200% of the federal poverty level.

Navigating health insurance in Minnesota often involves using MNsure not only to compare private plans but also to apply for public programs like Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. Understanding the eligibility criteria for each of these programs, along with options through employers or Medicare, is key for residents to find suitable and affordable coverage.

Staying informed about MNsure's Open Enrollment period, qualifying for subsidies or public programs, and comparing plan benefits is crucial for managing healthcare access and costs. Use our free tools to get an instant quote for private plans or evaluate local market rates available through MNsure.

Map of Minnesota highlighting healthcare

Minnesota Health Insurance Coverage ()

Employer

~58%

Non-Group/MNsure

~5%

MA/MinnesotaCare

~22%

Medicare

~17%

Military

~1%

Uninsured

~4.5%

Source: Approximate percentages based on KFF analysis of 2022 ACS data. Note: Categories may overlap; percentages may not sum exactly to 100%.

Minnesota Health Facts at a Glance

Overall Health Ranking

#7

Est. Population (2025)

~5.8 M

Avg. Lifespan

~80.8 yrs

Avg. Hospital Stay / Day

~$2,900+

Avg. Health Expenditure / Person

$10,457*

Number of Hospitals

~140+

*Avg. Health Expenditure per capita (KFF, 2020 data). Other stats based on most recent available data (2021-2025) - All stats are illustrative and need updating.

Health Insurance Programs for Minnesota Residents

Minnesota offers a strong network of health coverage programs to meet the needs of its residents:

  • MNsure (MNsure.org): Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace. It's the platform for individuals and families to compare and enroll in private health plans, and the only place to receive federal financial assistance (premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions) for those plans. MNsure also serves as an application portal for public programs.
  • Medical Assistance (MA): Minnesota's Medicaid program, providing comprehensive free health coverage to eligible low-income Minnesotans, including children, pregnant women, adults (under the ACA expansion), seniors, and people with disabilities. CHIP is integrated into MA.
  • MinnesotaCare: A unique state program offering low-cost, comprehensive health coverage for Minnesotans with incomes slightly higher than MA limits (up to 200% FPL) who don't have access to affordable employer coverage. It features low monthly premiums and low out-of-pocket costs.
  • Medicare: The federal health program for people aged 65+ and younger individuals with certain long-term disabilities.
  • Patient Assistance Programs: Various programs may help eligible individuals afford prescription medications.

These programs create multiple pathways to coverage, contributing to Minnesota's relatively low uninsured rate.

Minnesota Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans are available in Minnesota and primarily follow **federal regulations**, though state law imposes some additional rules. These plans can bridge temporary coverage gaps. Key points include:

  • Under Minnesota law, initial plan terms are limited to **185 days (about 6 months)**.
  • Plans cannot be renewed, but individuals can purchase another separate short-term plan. Total coverage duration under short-term plans is limited to **365 days within an 18-month (555-day) period**.

Crucially, short-term plans are **not ACA-compliant**. They **do not have to cover pre-existing conditions**, often exclude essential health benefits (preventive care, maternity, mental health, prescriptions), and may have coverage limits. Insurers can deny coverage based on health history. While legally permitted, **as of late 2023/early 2024, reports indicated no carriers were actively offering new short-term plans in Minnesota**, so availability may be extremely limited or non-existent.

Given the limitations and potential lack of availability, short-term plans are generally not a primary coverage solution in Minnesota. Residents needing coverage should focus on MNsure, MA/MinnesotaCare, or employer options.

Finding Health Coverage In Minnesota

Minnesotans have multiple avenues for securing health insurance, including robust public programs and a state-run marketplace. Understanding eligibility for Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or private plans through MNsure is crucial.

Minnesota Open Enrollment via MNsure

Open Enrollment for Minnesotans purchasing individual or family private health insurance is conducted through the state's official marketplace, **MNsure (MNsure.org)**. The enrollment period typically aligns with federal dates, running from **November 1st through January 15th** each year. It's important to check the MNsure website for exact dates annually. This is the main window to enroll in or change private plans for the upcoming year and the only time to access federal subsidies for those plans. Missing Open Enrollment usually requires a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period. Note that applications for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare can be submitted through MNsure year-round.

Minnesota Health Insurance Quotes

ACA-compliant private health plans can be compared and purchased through **MNsure (MNsure.org)**. This is the exclusive platform for eligible Minnesotans to receive federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) that lower the cost of private insurance. MNsure also determines eligibility for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. Comparing plans from participating carriers like BCBS MN, HealthPartners, Medica, and UCare based on costs, benefits, and networks is vital. Our free quoting service can help you explore private plan options available via MNsure. Enter your zip code to compare quotes and connect with MNsure-certified navigators or brokers for free assistance.

Major Health Insurance Providers in Minnesota

Minnesota's health insurance market, particularly on the MNsure marketplace, includes several major non-profit and for-profit carriers. Common participants offering individual and family plans include:

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
  • HealthPartners
  • Medica
  • UCare
  • Quartz (in certain regions)

Plan availability can vary by county. Use the plan comparison tools on MNsure.org to see the specific options in your area.

Carefully review plan details, including provider networks (doctors, hospitals), drug formularies, and cost-sharing structures, before enrolling. Free help is available through MNsure-certified assisters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance Minnesota

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Minnesota?

No, **Minnesota does not have a state law mandating** residents have health insurance coverage or pay a penalty. The federal individual mandate penalty is also currently $0. Therefore, there is no tax penalty for being uninsured in Minnesota. However, coverage is strongly encouraged for financial protection and health access.

What's the Cost of Health Insurance in Minnesota?

Costs for private health insurance in Minnesota vary based on age, location, plan choice, family size, and tobacco use. Financial assistance is available exclusively through **MNsure (MNsure.org)** via federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for eligible individuals buying private plans. Additionally, **Medical Assistance (MA)** offers free coverage, and **MinnesotaCare** offers very low-cost coverage (premiums max $80/month/person, low cost-sharing) for eligible residents based on income. Comparing options on MNsure is the best way to understand potential costs after subsidies or eligibility for public programs. Use our free estimate tool for baseline private plan rates.

How to Secure Health Insurance in Minnesota?

Minnesotans can obtain health coverage through these primary channels:

  • Employer-Sponsored Plans: Through your or a family member's job.
  • MNsure (MNsure.org): Minnesota's official marketplace. Use it to compare and enroll in private plans (only place for subsidies) during Open Enrollment/SEP, AND to apply for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare year-round.
  • Directly from Insurance Companies: Buy private plans outside MNsure (no subsidies available).
  • Medical Assistance (MA) / MinnesotaCare: Apply year-round via MNsure or county/tribal offices if eligible based on income.
  • Medicare: Federal program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.
  • Short-Term Plans: Legally permitted under federal/state rules (though may not be currently offered) for temporary needs; provide limited benefits.
Free help is available through MNsure-certified navigators and brokers.

The Impact of Obamacare on Minnesota Insurance Rates

The ACA (Obamacare) significantly impacted Minnesota's health system. The state created its own marketplace, **MNsure**, providing a platform for comparing plans and accessing federal subsidies. Minnesota also fully adopted the **Medicaid expansion (Medical Assistance)**, covering more low-income adults. Furthermore, Minnesota's pre-existing **MinnesotaCare** program was adapted under the ACA as a Basic Health Program, offering an affordable coverage bridge between MA and subsidized private plans. These measures combined have contributed to Minnesota having one of the lowest uninsured rates in the nation, expanding access to comprehensive and affordable coverage options.

Bottom Line

Finding health insurance in Minnesota involves utilizing **MNsure.org** as the central hub for comparing private plans (with potential subsidies) and applying for public programs like Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. Check eligibility for these robust public options first. If purchasing private coverage, compare plans from carriers like BCBS MN, HealthPartners, Medica, and UCare during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15). Remember there is no state mandate penalty, and while short-term plans are legally allowed, their availability and utility are limited. Use our quote tool or estimate tool to explore private plan options, and leverage MNsure's free assistance resources to navigate your choices effectively.