No matter your state, navigating your health insurance needs is often a major challenge for those living with a chronic health condition like sickle cell. In Minnesota, the MN Department of Commerce regulates the health insurance industry. Although we are not experts in this area, here is some helpful information.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid in Minnesota?

Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or conditions, no matter your income.

Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that gives health coverage to some people with limited income and resources.

Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) includes MinnesotaCare and all Medical Assistance programs. However, not all MA programs cover all services.

When you have MHCP coverage, you can get services in one of two ways:

1. You can be enrolled in a health plan and get services through that health plan

2. You can have fee-for-service coverage. This means that MHCP pays a fee to their enrolled health care providers for a service they provide to you. Members who get services through a health plan should see the evidence of coverage for their specific health plan.

Helpful links for Minnesota residents:

• Need to Knows of Health Insurance

• Health Insurance Terminology

• MN Medicare Consumer Information

  • Open Enrollment for Medicare is October 15 through December 7.

  • For information on special enrollment periods, visit the Medicare website

  • For questions about Medicare plans, visit the Medicare website or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)

For more information about Medicaid and MinnesotaCare click here.

If you have contacted your health plan with a complaint and are not satisfied with how your health plan resolved the complaint or have questions about your rights, contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Services Center at 651-539-1600 or (800) 657-3602 or send an email to consumer.protection@state.mn.us.