Minnesota Health Insurance Guide

From the beautiful lakes and vibrant cities to its renowned cultural heritage, Minnesota remains a desirable place to live. Understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting both your health and your finances. As of 2020, the uninsured rate in Minnesota is lower than the national average, reflecting the state’s success in expanding access to affordable health coverage. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Minnesota.

Health Insurance Options in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a variety of health insurance options, tailored to residents’ needs based on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many residents of Minnesota receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is typically the most cost-effective and convenient option.

ACA Marketplace Plans

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through federal or state Marketplaces. These plans include essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.

If you don’t have employer coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this, CMS may reduce subsidies by $5 per month for individuals automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.

ACA Plan Types

ACA marketplace plans in Michigan are offered in four metal tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—with varying coverage levels:

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare use.
• Silver: Moderate premiums and costs; may qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs; good for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket expenses.

Metal Tier Breakdown

Medicaid

Minnesota’s Medicaid program, Medical Assistance (MA), provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents. Medicaid benefits typically include preventive care, hospital visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and more.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary health coverage and can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, recently lost employer coverage, or need affordable protection during a coverage gap. Minnesota does not offer short-term medical (STM) plans as they are not permitted in the state.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Minnesota provides a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to help children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable insurance.

Student Health Insurance

College students in Minnesota have several health insurance options. They can stay on a parent’s plan until age 26, enroll in a school-sponsored plan, or apply for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans, making Minnesota student health insurance accessible and flexible.

Medicare

Medicare is available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Plan options include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): A bundled alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers; may include drug coverage, dental, vision, and other extras.
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Provides prescription coverage, available standalone or within a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Helps cover costs Original Medicare doesn’t, like coinsurance and deductibles.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to continue your employer coverage temporarily—typically at full cost.

Enrollment Periods in Minnesota

Open Enrollment for 2025 Coverage:

November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
During this window, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their marketplace health plans.

Special Enrollment Period

Available year-round for those with a qualifying life event (QLE) such as:

• Loss of coverage
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Relocation
• Major income changes

You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Minnesota

As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through the MNSure Marketplace:

• Blue Plus
• HealthPartners
• Medica Insurance
• UCare Minnesota
• PreferredOne
• Quartz Health Plan MN

Plan availability may vary by county or zip code. Some carriers may also offer standardized plans if your state provides a public option or similar initiative.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When selecting a plan, be sure to understand these common cost terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment to maintain your plan.
• Deductible: What you pay before insurance covers services.
• Copayment (Copay): Fixed amount per visit/service.
• Coinsurance: Shared costs with your insurer after the deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Your yearly cost cap for covered services.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Staying in-network helps you avoid higher charges.

Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms to help you make confident coverage decisions.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Minnesota offers many options—whether from your employer, through the ACA marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By staying informed and comparing plans during the right enrollment periods, you can secure affordable, reliable coverage that supports your well-being and budget.

Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to see if you are eligible for ACA plan financial aid or speak with a licensed insurance agent about all your options.