The Minnesota Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance, provides low-cost or free health care coverage to low-income families, seniors and disabled adults. The services provided include doctor and clinic visits, inpatient and emergency hospital care, medical transportation, lab tests and X-rays, prescription medications and long-term care in a nursing facility. Deductibles and co-pays may be assessed for some applicants based on their financial situation and age.
To qualify for MA coverage, seniors aged 65 and older, blind or disabled adults must meet these financial requirements:
- Have a maximum monthly income of $1,012 if single
- Earn $1,372 or less each month as a married couple when applying together
- Have no more than $3,000 in countable assets as an individual or $6,000 if married and applying jointly
Income from all sources counts toward the limit, but certain assets are disregarded, including a principal residence, one vehicle, personal effects and household furnishings.
To apply for MA coverage, seniors can visit the
West Suburban Hennepin County Service Center at 1011 First Street South in Hopkins or call (612) 348-3000.
Saint Louis Park residents who need long-term care services but wish to stay in the community can apply for one of two waiver programs offered by the state.
MA Elderly Waiver The
Elderly waiver offers seniors aged 65 and older a way to obtain necessary care services in the community rather than an institutional nursing facility. The waiver provides approved applicants with a number of services and supports in their own home or a community-based care setting, such as an assisted living facility. The specific services provided depend on an individual’s needs, but may include:
- Case management
- Assistance transitioning back to the community from a nursing facility
- Companion, housekeeping and residential services
- Help with personal care and daily living activities
- Necessary medical equipment and supplies
- Periodic skilled nursing services
- Nonmedical transportation services
To participate in the Elderly waiver program, applicants must:
- Complete a long-term care consultation to confirm their need for a nursing home level of care
- Have a need for services and supports that can be provided in the community at a lower cost than in a nursing home
- Have a maximum monthly income of $2,313 if single or $4,626 as a couple applying jointly
- Own assets with a maximum value of $3,000 if single or $6,000 if married and both spouses apply
Seniors can apply for the Elderly waiver by calling the
Senior LinkAge line at (800) 333-2433.
Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver The
CADI waiver provides services and supports that allow disabled adults to avoid premature nursing home admission. Depending on an individual’s specific needs, the services provided may include case management, extended assistance with personal care, overnight supervision, medical supplies and equipment and occupational, speech, physical and respiratory therapies.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be certified as disabled by the state medical review team or Social Security Administration
- Be aged 64 or younger
- Need a nursing facility level of care but prefer to remain in the community
Approved participants have the choice of switching to the Elderly waiver program at age 65 or staying in the CADI program.
Disabled adults can call (612) 348-3000 to learn more about the CADI waiver or apply in person at
West Suburban Hennepin County Service Center in Hopkins.