NEWS
Minnesota explains October health-coverage change for some noncitizen adults
People whose Medical Assistance ended should review their state notice, provide requested information and check whether MinnesotaCare is available.
By Staff Writer · Reviewed 2026-10-05
Who the October 1 change can affect
A federal eligibility change took effect October 1, 2026 for certain Minnesota Medical Assistance enrollees. Minnesota says it can affect some nonpregnant adult noncitizens who are at least 21, including refugees, asylees, certain Afghan or Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, trafficking victims and some battered noncitizens. The state sent notices to affected members by early September and says their Medical Assistance coverage closed September 30.
The change does not apply to everyone who is not a U.S. citizen. Minnesota lists lawful permanent residents who have met the five-year waiting period or an exception, Cuban or Haitian entrants and migrants covered by the Compacts of Free Association among those who can remain eligible. Lawfully present children under 21 and pregnant people also remain eligible under the conditions described by the state.
Review the notice and check MinnesotaCare
Read the eligibility letter and respond if the Department of Human Services asked for information. The state says some people will be evaluated automatically for MinnesotaCare, while others must provide information before a decision can be made. Update immigration-status, pregnancy and contact information promptly and watch for notices marked with a blue circle.
Free enrollment help is available through certified navigators listed at mnsure.org/help/findassister. The Refugee and Immigrant Helpline, 800-814-4806, can explain the policy but cannot submit an application or decide eligibility. Other federal changes begin later: certain work requirements and six-month renewals start January 1, 2027, and a retroactive-coverage change starts January 1, 2028. Those dates are separate from the October 1 eligibility change.