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Minnesota Health Care Programs

1.2.7 Applications for Incarcerated People Preparing for Release (Archive)

A person who is incarcerated and applying for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) in advance of their release from a state prison, county detention facility, or city jail must apply using a paper application. Applying with a paper application ensures that eligibility dates for health care coverage are correct.

Health Care Application

There are two special application procedures for people who are incarcerated so health care coverage can begin when they reenter the community. This helps ensure continued treatment of chronic health conditions and successful transition to community life. Some incarcerated people may use a shortened application process for Medical Assistance (MA). Others may receive application assistance from a discharge planner or facility staff when applying for MHCPs.

Incarcerated people who do not apply for MHCPs prior to release follow all standard policies when applying for health care.

Application Assistance

Incarcerated people may receive assistance from discharge planners or facility staff when applying for health care prior to release.

An incarcerated person may apply and have eligibility approved prior to release so they can have health care coverage on the day they return to the community.

Discharge planners and facility staff may help incarcerated people complete the appropriate health care application and the Individual Discharge Information Sheet (IDIS) (DHS-3443). See the MHCP Application Forms policy for more information.

The completed application and DHS-3443 are submitted to the county or tribal servicing agency where the person lived before entering the correctional system. If the previous county of residence is unknown or the person came from another state, the completed forms are sent to the county or tribal servicing agency where the person plans to live.

DHS-3443 must not be submitted earlier than 45 days prior to release and no later than 10 calendar days after release.

Shortened Application Process

Incarcerated people who were MA enrollees at the time of their incarceration may have their MA coverage reopened without a new application by submitting the Request to Re-Open MA (DHS-5038) to their county or tribal servicing agency. DHS-5038 must not be submitted earlier than 45 days prior to release and no later than 10 calendar days after release.

Legal Citations

Minnesota Statute 256B.055, subdivision 14