Minnesota's Children's Medicaid program provides free pediatric care.
Minnesota residents have multiple health insurance options available to them, many of which are state or federally funded. Categorically needy individuals, such as those with existing medical conditions, low household incomes and minor children can access low-cost, full-coverage benefits through government insurance plans, while others can purchase private health insurance individually or through an employer's group insurance plan.
Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions
Minnesota, like many other states in the United States, participates in the federally run pre-existing condition insurance pool that provides health insurance availability to individuals with high-risk medical conditions. Any legal resident of Minnesota with an existing medical condition for which she has been denied coverage for may apply for enrollment in a PCIP policy, as long as the applicant has been uninsured for at least six months prior to applying. Monthly insurance premiums do not discriminate based on health, but rather depend on the type of insurance purchased and the age of the enrollee.
Medicaid
The Minnesota Medicaid program provides health benefits for many categorically needy eligibility groups, including the financially and medically needy. Adults without children can qualify for Minnesota Medicaid with incomes of 75 percent or less of the federal poverty limit, whereas pregnant women and children can qualify with incomes of up to 275 percent of the federal poverty limit. Similarly, as of 2011, individuals determined medically needy due to an ongoing medical condition may qualify for Medicaid with an income of no more than $677 per month and assets that do not exceed $3,000.
Children
Minnesota children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid may instead qualify for S-CHIP with household incomes of up to 280 percent of the federal poverty limit. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the S-CHIP program in Minnesota has no cost-sharing requirements and does not charge parents a premium for enrollment, regardless of income. Children enrolled in S-CHIP receive comprehensive health coverage that includes primary care, hospital care, dental and vision services.
Private Coverage
Minnesota has many competing private health insurance companies that offer coverage through employer group plans, as well as individually purchased health insurance policies. Beginning in 2014, however, Minnesota will comply with regulations in The Affordable Care Act by offering a state-run health insurance exchange that the Minnesota Department of Commerce will oversee. The exchange will present Minnesota residents with a variety of affordable health insurance options. Additionally, many individuals that purchase health insurance through the exchange will qualify for federal tax credits intended to help alleviate the cost burden associated with private health insurance premiums. Low and middle-income households with incomes at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty limit will qualify.
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