What is the Medicaid asset limit in Minnesota?
$3,000 for a single person (2026). MA-ABD asset limit for a household of one ($6,000 for two). Ask the state Medicaid office about the home equity limit for long-term care.
Minnesota · checked September 2026
Senior care help in Minnesota
How Minnesota helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Is there public help paying for assisted living in Minnesota?
We couldn't confirm it on an official page.Call your local aging office below and ask; it's the first thing they'll know.
Paying for senior care in Minnesota
Minnesota's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Monthly income limit
$2,982
2026
Minnesota does not use a Miller trust. For nursing home care there is no hard income cap: the person pays most income toward care and keeps a personal needs allowance. People over the regular limit qualify through a medical spenddown; the MA-ABD spenddown standard is 100% of the federal poverty guideline (DHS EPM 2.3.3.4), about $1,330 a month in 2026. $2,982 a month is the Elderly Waiver special income limit for 2026. Confirm the Elderly Waiver figure with the state Medicaid office before relying on it.
Asset limit (single person)
$3,000
2026
MA-ABD asset limit for a household of one ($6,000 for two). Ask the state Medicaid office about the home equity limit for long-term care.
If income is over the limit
Minnesota doesn't use a hard cap. People over the limit can qualify by paying most of their income toward their care (a spend-down).
Apply for Medical Assistance (MA)
Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
Elderly Waiver (EW), including Customized Living
For people 65+ on Medical Assistance who need nursing-home-level care, as found in a MnCHOICES assessment. The Elderly Waiver can pay for care at home or in an assisted living (called Customized Living), plus adult day, respite and more. It pays for care, not rent and food. Ask your county, tribe or health plan for a MnCHOICES assessment, or call Minnesota Aging Pathways.
Waitlist: Sometimes. EW slots may be limited, and a waitlist can form when they are full. Ask whether there's a waitlist when you call.
Alternative Care (AC)
A state program for people 65+ who need nursing-home-level care and are not yet on Medical Assistance. It pays for in-home help such as homemaker, respite, adult day and home health. Ask how to qualify, whether there is a monthly fee, and whether it covers assisted living or room and board.
Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) and Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)
Health plans that most people 65+ on Medical Assistance are enrolled in. MSHO also combines Medicare. The plan delivers Elderly Waiver services, including care in assisted living, but does not pay rent or food.
Who to call in Minnesota
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
Minnesota Board on Aging
Start hereThe state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
A free, independent advocate for residents of long-term care facilities. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
Report abuse, neglect or exploitation
Adult protective servicesYou don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Minnesota Aging Pathways (formerly Senior LinkAge Line)
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
How to check a Minnesota assisted living or nursing home
In Minnesota, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Facility; Assisted Living Facility with Dementia Care. Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
Nursing homes
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
Minnesota veterans homes and benefits
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)
Free legal help and paperwork in Minnesota
Legal services for older Minnesotans (referral through Minnesota Aging Pathways)
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Documents and forms
Minnesota help for caregivers and people with dementia
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
Yes, through the Elderly Waiver's Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) option, which DHS lists as an EW service. It may let participants hire relatives, including adult children and spouses. Confirm details with the county or health plan.
Minnesota Aging Pathways caregiver support
Free statewide line run by the Minnesota Board on Aging with the Area Agencies on Aging. Helps family caregivers find caregiver consultants, education, respite and local services. Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Minnesota Board on Aging family caregiving resources
State hub for caregiver consultants, caregiver education and dementia caregiving support offered through local providers.
Minnesota Board on Aging Dementia Grants
State grants (since 2015) that fund local projects for dementia awareness, memory screening, diagnosis and caregiver support such as memory cafes and caregiver consultants. Call Minnesota Aging Pathways to find what is near your parent.
More help in Minnesota
Live Well at Home
Minnesota program to help older adults stay safely in their own homes, linked from the Board on Aging.
Minnesota Aging and Disability Resources
State search site for local help with housing (including assisted living), food, transportation, benefits, legal help and caregiving.
Minnesota senior care questions
Who do I call with a complaint about an assisted living or nursing home in Minnesota?
The Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care: 1-800-657-3591. It's free and independent.
National help that works in Minnesota too
Senior living in Minnesota cities
Senior care guides for other states
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- Alaska
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- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
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- Kentucky
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- Maine
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- New Hampshire
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- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Researched from 50 sources, official pages first. Last checked .