Apply for Medical Assistance
MN Disability Hub
Connect With County Intake
Accessing the services and support you need to live, work, and enjoy life where you choose is essential for living your best life.
For many people with disabilities, Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waivers and the services available through the waiver, help them live in the community, stay in the home of their choosing, find meaningful work, and reach their goals.
The questions and information below will help you decide what next steps to take if you’re interested in HCBS waiver services to help you live your best life.
Questions you should ask yourself when considering if a waiver is right for you:
- Do you have any needs that are not being met?
- Is your living situation meeting your physical needs and are you safe?
- Do you have people in your life that help you?
- Do you want more help than you are currently receiving?
Qualifying for a waiver- is it right for you?
To be eligible for a waiver, you must:
- Be eligible for Medical Assistance (MA).
- Be certified disabled by the Social Security Administration or the Minnesota State Medical Review Team (SMRT).
- Complete a MNChoices assessment through your county agency or tribe.
Next: Answer the questions below to learn more about eligibility, things to think about, and the people, agencies, and resources that can help you along the way.
Do you have Medical Assistance?
Medical Assistance is health insurance for people with and without disabilities who meet the income and assets rules. It is a health insurance program that pays for things like hospital care and doctor visits. It can also pay for things that don’t tend to be covered by private insurance, like personal care attendant (PCA) services.
Yes
If you have Medical Assistance, please continue to: “Do you have a disability determination?”
No
If you don’t have Medical Assistance, also known as MA, the information below can help you prepare for the application process.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I want to apply for Medical Assistance?
- You need to apply and be found eligible for Medical Assistance in order to receive HCBS waiver services.
- Do I want to apply with a paper application or online?
- Do I need help filling out my application?
- Do I already have insurance coverage?
People you could talk with
Pine County Human Services Agency
MNSure Assisters
Information to gather to apply for Medical Assistance
You will need the following information for each household member:
- Monthly income sources (pay stubs, direct deposit proof, taxes), with verification Employers’ information includes name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Assests (home mortgage, vehicles you own, bank accounts, retirement accounts), with verification
- Social Security Number
- Contact Information
- Insurance Information
- Immigration Status Information
I'm not sure
If you’re not sure if you have Medical Assistance, contact 320-216-4100.
Do you have a disability determination?
A disability determination is a certification of disability through the Social Security Administration (SSA) or State Medical Review Team (SMRT).
Yes, I have a disability determination from the State Medical Review Team (SMRT)
If you have a disability determination from SMRT, please continue to “Have you had a MnCHOICES Assessment by your county human services agency?”
Yes, I have a disability determination from Social Security (age 18-65)
Please continue to “Have you had a MnCHOICES Assessment by your county or tribal human services agency?”
Yes, I have a disability determination from Social Security (under age 18).
No
If you don’t have a disability determination but would like to be reviewed for one:
- Contact your county financial worker to request a SMRT referral (you must already have Medical Assistance for this referral to be made).
- Complete and return the SMRT disability worksheet.
- Consider applying for a disability determination through the Social Security Administration
Here are items to consider:
Questions to ask yourself
- Do you need the financial benefit from Social Security?
- Do you need the determination of disability for Medical Assistance benefits and/or services?
- Do you need to visit the doctor to establish current medical records?
People you could talk with
Information to gather
- A medical exam that was completed less than three months ago
- Contacts for medical records to show proof of disabling condition
- Work history
- Activities of daily living
- Educational history (example: degrees completed)
I'm not sure
If you’re not sure if you have a disability determination, contact 320-216-4100.
Have you had a MnCHOICES Assessment by your county human services agency?
A MnCHOICES Assessment is an assessment and planning tool used to gather information and help you make decisions about your long-term services and supports. It assesses your general health, your ability to take care of routine daily tasks and any help you may receive from family and friends. The assessment is free and is typically completed in-person in the place you live, by a certified assessor.
Yes, I have had a MnCHOICES Assessment, and I have the results
If you have had a MnCHOICES assessment and you’ve received the results, here are items to consider:
Questions to ask yourself
People you could talk to
Information to gather
- List of agencies in your area that provide services you’re eligible for
- Community resources that help meet your support needs
Yes, I have had a MnCHOICES Assessment, but I haven't received the results yet
You should receive results within 20 calendar days
If you haven’t received results within 20 days of the assessment visit, you can contact the MnCHOICES assessor to ask for an update, or contact the Disability Hub MN to get help contacting the county office for an update.
No, but I have requested one
If you have requested a MnCHOICES assessment from your county or tribal intake office, it should occur within 20 calendar days of your request.
If you do not have the assessment scheduled and it has been 20 calendar days since the request, you can contact the county or tribal intake office again to request an update and to make sure it gets scheduled. You can also contact Disability Hub MN to request assistance contacting the county or tribal office.
No, I don't know what that is
Contact 320-216-4100 for help understanding what a MnCHOICES assessment is or read more in this MnChoices assessment brochure.
Search Resources
Rise is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, mental health conditions, and other life challenges to achieve greater independence. Through personalized employment services, life enrichment programs, housing support, and vocational training, Rise helps individuals build meaningful skills and participate fully in their communities. Their person‑centered approach focuses on dignity, choice, and partnership, allowing people to thrive while contributing their strengths to the world around them.
Pine City, MN