Medicaid Changes Are Coming: Aslan Health Is Here if You Lose Coverage
Important changes are coming to Medicaid, which is called Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota. These changes will be introduced in stages beginning October 1, 2026, and could cause some Minnesotans to lose their coverage.
If you or someone you know is affected, Aslan Health offers an affordable option for continuing to receive primary medical care—even without insurance.
What Is Changing?
According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the upcoming changes include:
Changes for Some Noncitizen Adults
Beginning October 1, 2026, certain noncitizen adults age 21 and older who are not pregnant will no longer qualify for Medical Assistance because of changes to federal eligibility rules.
People who may be affected include some refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, trafficking victims, and other lawfully present noncitizens. However, the rules are complex, and some noncitizens will remain eligible.
Children under age 21 who are lawfully present and pregnant individuals will continue to be eligible under Minnesota’s stated rules. Some people losing Medical Assistance may qualify for MinnesotaCare or another healthcare program.
New Work and Reporting Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults ages 21 through 64 will be required to report qualifying activities—such as employment, education, volunteering, or participation in a work program—to receive or keep Medical Assistance.
These requirements will not apply to everyone. Minnesota has identified several groups that may be excluded, including certain parents, pregnant individuals, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and people receiving Medical Assistance based on a disability.
More Frequent Renewals
Some adults affected by the new work requirements will also need to renew their Medical Assistance coverage every six months instead of once per year beginning January 1, 2027.
This means responding promptly to notices and keeping contact information current will become even more important. Missing paperwork or a deadline could result in an interruption or loss of coverage.
What Should You Do Now?
If you currently receive Medical Assistance:
- Make sure your county has your correct mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- Carefully read every notice you receive from the state or county.
- Respond to requests for information before the deadline.
- Report changes involving income, pregnancy, household members, disability, or immigration status.
- Ask a certified navigator or your county eligibility worker whether you qualify for Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, an exemption, or another coverage option.
Do not assume that you are losing coverage until you receive an official eligibility notice. These rules are complicated, and each household’s circumstances are different.
If You Lose Coverage, You Still Have Options
Losing insurance can be frightening, especially when you need medication, ongoing treatment, or help managing a chronic condition. However, losing Medical Assistance does not mean you must stop receiving routine healthcare.
Aslan Health is a faith-based nonprofit primary care clinic in downtown St. Cloud. We serve people regardless of whether they have insurance and specialize in making healthcare more accessible for individuals and families facing financial barriers.
Our services include:
- Preventive care and physical exams
- Treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries
- Chronic disease management
- Well-child visits
- Women’s health services
- Health screenings
- On-site laboratory services
- Medication management and other primary care needs
Aslan Health offers transparent, low-cost self-pay care. Sliding-scale discounts and financial assistance may also be available based on eligibility. Patients are told about applicable costs before receiving services, helping reduce the risk of unexpected medical bills.
Aslan Health is not a replacement for comprehensive health insurance, hospital care, or emergency services. We encourage everyone affected by the Medicaid changes to explore MinnesotaCare and every other coverage option available to them. But when insurance is unavailable—or while someone is waiting for new coverage to begin—our clinic can help provide continued access to affordable primary care.
Caring for Our Neighbors
At Aslan Health, our mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and demonstrate His love by providing affordable, quality healthcare for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of the underserved in our community.
Healthcare coverage may change, but our commitment to caring for our neighbors will not.
If you are concerned about losing Medical Assistance or are already uninsured, contact Aslan Health to learn more about our services and financial assistance options.
This article provides general information and does not determine eligibility for Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, or any other government program. Contact your county eligibility office or a certified MNsure navigator for help with your specific situation.