MINNESOTACARE PREMIUMS
How much does MinnesotaCare cost, and how do I pay?
In 2026, MinnesotaCare costs $0 to $80 a month for each adult, depending on household income and size. People under 21 and American Indians and Alaska Natives pay no premium. MinnAssist is not DHS and can't take payments: pay your bill on the official DHS site, payments.dhs.state.mn.us. For free help with your application, renewal or a bill you don't understand, call MinnAssist at (866) 655-6606.
2026 premium table
| Poverty level | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | Premium per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–34% | $0–$5,477 | $0–$7,402 | $0–$9,327 | $0–$11,252 | $0 |
| 35–54% | $5,478–$8,607 | $7,403–$11,632 | $9,328–$14,657 | $11,253–$17,682 | $4 |
| 55–79% | $8,608–$12,519 | $11,633–$16,919 | $14,658–$21,319 | $17,683–$25,719 | $6 |
| 80–89% | $12,520–$14,084 | $16,920–$19,034 | $21,320–$23,984 | $25,720–$28,934 | $8 |
| 90–99% | $14,085–$15,649 | $19,035–$21,149 | $23,985–$26,649 | $28,935–$32,149 | $10 |
| 100–109% | $15,650–$17,214 | $21,150–$23,264 | $26,650–$29,314 | $32,150–$35,364 | $12 |
| 110–119% | $17,215–$18,779 | $23,265–$25,379 | $29,315–$31,979 | $35,365–$38,579 | $14 |
| 120–129% | $18,780–$20,344 | $25,380–$27,494 | $31,980–$34,644 | $38,580–$41,794 | $15 |
| 130–139% | $20,345–$21,909 | $27,495–$29,609 | $34,645–$37,309 | $41,795–$45,009 | $16 |
| 140–149% | $21,910–$23,474 | $29,610–$31,724 | $37,310–$39,974 | $45,010–$48,224 | $25 |
| 150–159% | $23,475–$25,039 | $31,725–$33,839 | $39,975–$42,639 | $48,225–$51,439 | $37 |
| 160–169% | $25,040–$26,604 | $33,840–$35,954 | $42,640–$45,304 | $51,440–$54,654 | $44 |
| 170–179% | $26,605–$28,169 | $35,955–$38,069 | $45,305–$47,969 | $54,655–$57,869 | $52 |
| 180–189% | $28,170–$29,734 | $38,070–$40,184 | $47,970–$50,634 | $57,870–$61,084 | $61 |
| 190–199% | $29,735–$31,299 | $40,185–$42,299 | $50,635–$53,299 | $61,085–$64,299 | $71 |
| 200% | $31,300 | $42,300 | $53,300 | $64,300 | $80 |
To estimate your monthly bill, find your household size and yearly income, then multiply the premium in the last column by the number of people in your home who owe a premium. People under 21 have no premium. The table goes up to 8 people.
Source: Minnesota DHS MinnesotaCare Premium Estimator Table (DHS-4139A), effective January 1 to December 31, 2026. The amount on your bill is the official amount.
Who pays no premium
- People under 21.
- American Indians and Alaska Natives, and their family members.
- Households with income below 35% of the federal poverty guideline (for example, under $5,478 a year for 1 person).
- Military members who finished a tour of active duty within 24 months of approval, and their family members, for up to 12 months.
Sources: DHS-4139A (2026) and the DHS Eligibility Policy Manual 3.1.2.2 Premiums and Cost Sharing.
How to pay your premium
You will get a premium bill in the mail. Pay it through the state, not through MinnAssist:
- Online: payments.dhs.state.mn.us (official DHS site). You need the case number and bill number from your payment stub. You can pay from a checking account or with a Discover, Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Prepaid cards and gift cards are not accepted. Online payments are one time only.
- By phone, by mail or in person: use the phone number and address printed on your bill.
- Questions about your bill: call DHS Health Care Consumer Support at 651-297-3862 or 800-657-3672.
Source: DHS MinnesotaCare payment page, checked October 31, 2026.
When it's due and the grace month
- Monthly premiums are due the 15th of the month, but DHS accepts them through noon on the last working day of the month.
- To be sure you are covered next month, pay by noon on the last business day of this month. Payments after 5 pm, on weekends or on holidays count the next business day.
- If you miss a payment, you get one grace month. You stay covered during the grace month. If you don't pay by noon on the last working day of the grace month, coverage stops at the end of it.
- To restart, pay the past-due grace month premium (if it hasn't been forgiven) and the next month's premium. Coverage starts the first of the month after you pay both.
- Missing a payment does not stop your renewal. You may still be eligible even if your coverage stopped for nonpayment.
- Children and others who owe no premium stay covered even if the rest of the household doesn't pay.
Source: DHS Eligibility Policy Manual 3.1.2.2 and the DHS payment page.
Copays and deductibles
Adults 21 and older on MinnesotaCare may have a monthly deductible and copays for some visits, non-emergency ER visits, eyeglasses and prescriptions. There is no cost sharing for mental health services. American Indians and Alaska Natives in a federally recognized tribe have no cost sharing. A provider must still see you if you can't pay a copay at the visit.
Source: DHS Eligibility Policy Manual 3.1.2.2.
Common questions
- How much does MinnesotaCare cost per month in 2026?
- From $0 to $80 a month for each person who owes a premium, based on household income and size. People under 21 pay nothing. The amount on your DHS bill is the official amount.
- How do I pay my MinnesotaCare premium online?
- Use the official DHS payment site, payments.dhs.state.mn.us. You need your case number and bill number from your payment stub. MinnAssist cannot take payments.
- What is the MinnesotaCare grace month?
- If you miss a premium, you stay covered for one grace month. Pay by noon on the last working day of that month to avoid a gap in coverage.
- When is my MinnesotaCare premium due?
- Premiums are due the 15th of the month. DHS accepts them through noon on the last working day of the month.
- My MinnesotaCare stopped because I didn't pay. Can I get it back?
- Often, yes. Pay the past-due grace month premium (if it hasn't been forgiven) and the next month's premium, and coverage starts the next month. Call MinnAssist at (866) 655-6606 for free help.
- Is MinnAssist part of DHS or MNsure?
- No. MinnAssist is an independent navigator organization. We help for free by phone, but we can't see or take payments.
More help from MinnAssist
- MinnesotaCare income limits
- MinnesotaCare vs Medical Assistance
- MinnesotaCare if you are self-employed
- MNsure tax credits that lower your premium
- MNsure and DHS phone numbers
- Renewal help
Call (866) 655-6606 or book a free appointment.
Independent navigator organization, not MNsure or DHS. The state decides whether you qualify.