MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SPENDDOWN
Income too high for Medical Assistance? A spenddown may still get you covered.
A medical spenddown lets some people whose income is over the Medical Assistance limit still get Medical Assistance, by counting their medical bills. It is for people who are 65 or older, blind or have a disability, and it also exists for parents, pregnant people and children. The rules are detailed, so this is a good one to do with help. A MinnAssist navigator goes through it with you by phone, free. Book at minnassist.com/book or call (866) 655-6606.
How a spenddown works
- If your income is over the limit and you have medical expenses, you may qualify for Medical Assistance with a spenddown.
- For people 65 or older, blind or with a disability, the spenddown standard is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines (since July 1, 2022).
- You may qualify up to three months before the month you apply.
- Getting MinnesotaCare or tax credits does not stop you from qualifying with a spenddown.
- Most people with a spenddown must complete a six-month income review. People whose only income is steady, like Social Security, a pension or veterans' benefits, don't.
Source: Minnesota DHS Eligibility Policy Manual, 2.3.3.4 MA-ABD Medical Spenddowns, checked November 8, 2026.
How MinnAssist helps
- We check whether a spenddown could work for you.
- We fill out the application with you and help you send proof of income and medical bills.
- We help with the six-month review and letters that come after.
- We support all languages. Free, 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days.
If you'd rather do it yourself
You can apply through your county human services office. MinnAssist is an independent navigator organization, not MNsure, DHS or your county. The county decides whether you qualify.
Common questions
- Should I do this on my own, or call MinnAssist?
- You can do it alone, but many people get stuck on the questions, the proof and the letters that come after. A MinnAssist navigator does it with you by phone, free, 9 am to 9 pm, 7 days. Book at minnassist.com/book or call (866) 655-6606.
- What is a spenddown for Medical Assistance in Minnesota?
- A way for people with income over the Medical Assistance limit to still qualify, by counting their medical expenses.
- Who can get Medical Assistance with a spenddown?
- People who are 65 or older, blind or have a disability, and also parents, pregnant people and children, under separate rules.
- Can a spenddown cover past months?
- Yes. You may qualify up to three months before the month you apply.
- Is the help free?
- Yes. Our help is always free, for you and everyone in your family.
More help from MinnAssist
- Help for seniors and caregivers
- Medical Assistance asset limit
- Pay old medical bills
- Why people call MinnAssist
Call (866) 655-6606 or book a free appointment.
Ready? Book a free phone appointment and we call you, or call (866) 655-6606.
Independent navigator organization, not MNsure or DHS. The state decides whether you qualify.