Medicare
GovernmentFederal health insurance for people 65 and older, plus certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific conditions. Medicare divides into parts covering different services, and beneficiaries must actively enroll.
More Government Terms
ACA
Federal law expanding health insurance and creating online marketplaces where individuals shop for coverage. Provides premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on income, prohibits denial for pre-existing conditions.
CHIP
Provides low-cost coverage to children in families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance. Some states also cover pregnant women.
Medicaid
Joint federal-state program providing free or low-cost coverage for low-income individuals, families with children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Each state runs its own program within federal guidelines.
Medical Assistance (Minnesota Medicaid)
Medical Assistance is Minnesota's Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. For 2026, single adults qualify with income up to $20,783 annually (138% FPL), while a family of four qualifies with income up to $42,662. Medical Assistance covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, dental, vision, and long-term care. Unlike marketplace plans, there are no premiums, deductibles, or enrollment periods—Minnesotans can apply year-round through MNsure or county offices. Medical Assistance is a critical safety net for those who lose marketplace subsidies due to the 2026 subsidy cliff.
Medicare Part A
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (following hospitalization), hospice care, and some home health services. Most people don't pay premiums if they worked at least 10 years, though deductibles and coinsurance for extended stays apply.
Medicare Part B
Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, durable medical equipment, lab tests, and many vaccines. Requires a monthly premium and typically includes 20% coinsurance after meeting the annual deductible.
Understanding Your Benefits Made Easy
Use our tools to navigate Minnesota PFML and health insurance