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How to Apply for Minnesota Medicaid (Medical Assistance)

Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) · DHS-6696

Content verified 2026-07-17T17:38:57.210Z

Program overview

Minnesota's Medical Assistance (MA) program, also known as Minnesota's Health Care Programs, provides comprehensive health coverage for eligible low-income residents. You may qualify for help paying for health coverage even if you earn as much as $64,300 a year (for a family of four). The program covers essential medical services including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, mental health services, and preventive care.

Use this form if all the applicants in the household meet at least one of the following criteria: are age 65 or older, requesting help only with Medicare costs, children in foster care, age 21 years or older with no dependents and have Medicare coverage, receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or applying for Medical Assistance for Employed Person with Disabilities (MA-EPD). Families with children, pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities may qualify based on income and household size. Applicants using the MNsure online application have eligibility determined for all Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) and advanced premium tax credits.

The program provides comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, dental treatment, mental health services, prescriptions, and more. Additional services may include transportation to medical appointments, home and community-based services for seniors and people with disabilities, and long-term care services. MinnesotaCare serves as an alternative program for those who don't qualify for Medical Assistance but still need affordable coverage.

When applying, gather all required documentation to avoid processing delays. If you qualify for federally funded Medical Assistance or Emergency Medical Assistance, we are required to share information about you with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services including but not limited to your name, date of birth, SSN, contact information and address. We will review your application and notify you in writing of the results. For fastest processing, consider applying online through MNsure or submit the complete paper application with all supporting documents to your local county human services office.

Main application form

Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs

Form DHS-6696

Download form

Additional forms

  • Application for Certain Populations · DHS-3876

    For special circumstances including age 65+, Medicare help only, SSI recipients

    Download form →
  • Application for Payment of Long-Term Care Services · DHS-3531

    For nursing home residents or those needing long-term care services

  • Health Coverage from Jobs (Appendix A) · Appendix A

    If someone has job-based insurance available and applying for financial help

    Download form →

Where to submit

Applicants submit DHS-6696 to their county or tribal servicing agency. All mailed applications for Minnesota Medical Assistance should be sent to PO Box 64944, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0944, which is the official processing center for Minnesota Medicaid.

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Minnesota's Medical Assistance program, also called Medicaid, provides health coverage for eligible residents. You can qualify with income up to $128,600 for a family of four. The main application is form DHS-6696, available online or as a paper form. You'll need Social Security numbers, income proof, citizenship documents, and ID for all household members. The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental care, and mental health services. Apply online at MNsure for fastest processing, or mail your completed application to your county human services office. Seniors, pregnant women, families with children, and people with disabilities may qualify. For help, call 855-366-7873 or visit your local county office.

Official resources

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) in Minnesota?

To apply for Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) in Minnesota, complete Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (DHS-6696), then submit it to Applicants submit DHS-6696 to their county or tribal servicing agency. All mailed applications for Minnesota Medical Assistance should be sent to PO Box 64944, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0944, which is the official processing center for Minnesota Medicaid..

What documents do I need to apply for Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) in Minnesota?

You typically need to provide: Social Security numbers for all household members, Birth certificates or citizenship documents, Immigration status documents (if applicable), Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID), Current pay stubs or employment verification, Tax returns or tax documents, Bank statements and asset information, Insurance cards (current health coverage), Medicare card (if applicable), Disability determination letters (if applicable), Pregnancy verification (if applicable), Legal settlement or lawsuit information (if applicable).

Where do I submit my Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) application in Minnesota?

Submit your completed Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid) application to Applicants submit DHS-6696 to their county or tribal servicing agency. All mailed applications for Minnesota Medical Assistance should be sent to PO Box 64944, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0944, which is the official processing center for Minnesota Medicaid..

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