Medical Assistance / Medicaid for Senior Care in Minnesota
What Medical Assistance Actually Covers for Senior Care
In Minnesota, the primary program for seniors needing help to live at home or in the community is the Elderly Waiver (EW). This Medical Assistance program funds a range of home and community-based services for those aged 65 and older who meet nursing home level of care but choose to remain in their own homes or other community settings. The Elderly Waiver covers vital services like adult day health care, in-home personal care assistance, skilled nursing visits, and home modifications to ensure safety and accessibility. It also supports services such as homemaker assistance, chore services, companion services, and home-delivered meals. For seniors in assisted living or adult foster care, the EW can cover the care services provided, including specialized dementia care. However, it's important to understand that the waiver typically covers these care services and supports, not the cost of room and board itself, though transitional services for housing setup might be available for those returning from a nursing facility.
Do You Qualify?
To qualify for the Elderly Waiver in 2026, a single applicant must generally have a monthly income no higher than $2,982 and countable assets of $3,000 or less. If your parent's income is over this limit, Minnesota has a "spend-down" program where excess income can be used to pay for medical expenses, including health insurance premiums, to meet eligibility. For married couples where only one spouse is applying, the non-applicant spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets and may receive a monthly income allowance from the applicant spouse, potentially up to $4,066.50, to prevent impoverishment.
If your parent owns a house, it's usually considered an exempt asset if they live in it, intend to return home, or if a spouse, minor child, or blind/disabled child lives there. There is a home equity interest limit of $752,000 in 2026 for those applying for Nursing Home Medicaid or HCBS Waivers. Keep in mind that Minnesota has a 60-month "look-back" period, meaning any asset transfers for less than fair market value in the five years before applying could result in a penalty period. Pension payments are generally counted toward the income limit.
Waitlists & How to Apply
The Elderly Waiver is not an entitlement program, meaning there are a limited number of participant slots, and waitlists can form. The length of a waitlist can vary by county and the specific waiver program, with access often based on the date you were determined eligible.
To apply, your first step is to contact your local county or tribal human services office and request a MnCHOICES assessment. This assessment helps determine the level of care needed and which programs might be right for your parent. You can also call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 for assistance and information. You will need to complete an Application for Medical Assistance for Long-Term Care Services (MA-LTC) and provide documentation like proof of identity, citizenship or immigration status, and income. While applications should be processed as soon as possible, generally within 45 days for most applicants, delays can occur if additional information is needed from you.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMS, state Medicaid agency, Genworth 2024.