Steps to Enroll

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.

The next steps depend on the type of health insurance.

If Everyone is Eligible to Buy a Plan through MNsure

What you need to do: Select a plan and enroll online. You may need to confirm your life event before you can shop.

The system will walk you through these steps in order: 

  1. Dashboard Check: See your enrollment deadline and "Next Steps." 
  2. Additional Info: Answer questions about tobacco use and privacy. 
  3. Member Selection: Choose which family members to shop for. You can put everyone in one plan or create "groups" to put them in different plans. 
  4. Health Care Needs (Optional): Tell us about your doctor visits and prescriptions. This helps the tool estimate your total costs for the year. 
  5. Shop Plans: Compare plans side-by-side. Look at the "Your Cost" column to see your monthly bill after your tax credits are applied, if you’re eligible. 
  6. Sign and Enroll: You must type your name and click "Sign" to save your choice. If you log out before this step, you are not enrolled. Your plan will not be saved. 

If Everyone is Eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare

What you will see: “None of the members of your household are currently eligible to shop for coverage.” 

Behind the scenes: If you and your family are likely to qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, we send your application to the Minnesota Department of Human Services for an official eligibility review. You don’t have to fill out a separate application. 

What you need to do: Watch the mail for a letter from the Department of Human Services (DHS) with your final decision. Respond with any proof they ask for. If anyone is eligible for MinnesotaCare, call DHS right away.  

Different Types (Less Common)

When one or more people are eligible to buy a plan through MNsure and someone else is eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. For example, a family where only the kids are eligible for Medical Assistance.

For members who are eligible to buy a health plan through MNsure

What you need to do: Select a plan and enroll online. You may need to confirm your life event before you can shop. 

For members who may be eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare

What you will see: “Not eligible to enroll in a plan” next to the name.

Behind the scenes: 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. 

What you need to do: Watch the mail for a letter from the Department of Human Services (DHS) with your final decision. Respond with any proof they ask for. If anyone is eligible for MinnesotaCare, call DHS right away

Already enrolled? Learn how to manage your coverage and use your health insurance.