2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 256B.06 — Eligibility; Migrant Workers; Citizenship

Plain-Language Summary

Sets citizenship and immigration requirements for Medical Assistance eligibility. U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants can receive full Medical Assistance. Some lawfully present immigrants face a five-year waiting period but may qualify for state-funded coverage or emergency services during that time.

Practical Notes
To receive full Medical Assistance, you generally must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant (such as a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee). Most lawful permanent residents must wait five years before receiving federally funded Medical Assistance, but Minnesota provides state-funded coverage during that waiting period. Undocumented individuals may only qualify for emergency Medical Assistance. You must provide proof of citizenship or immigration status when applying. If you are unsure of your eligibility based on immigration status, contact your county human services office or a legal aid organization for help.