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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Minnesota · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If the cost of senior care feels out of reach, please take heart. Minnesota has one of the most helpful, well-organized systems in the country for older adults who live on Social Security, a small pension, or very little at all.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-800-333-2433This is the single best number in Minnesota for older adults. It's both the state's free Medicare counseling service (SHIP) and its Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). One call, and they help with Medicare, Medicaid, home care, housing, and more.
This page is for people who qualify only for Medicare or Medicaid and can't afford private senior living. Everything here is free or low-cost, run by the state or a trusted nonprofit.
You don't have to understand all of it today. One phone call is enough to begin, and the people who answer are there to help.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather get help at home. Minnesota has strong programs for that.
Call to start, or contact your county human services office.
Medical Assistance is Minnesota’s Medicaid program. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, nursing home care, and long-term help at home for those who qualify.
Long-term care: MA pays for nursing home care and, through the Elderly Waiver and Alternative Care program (see below), for services that let you stay in your own home or in assisted living instead.
Eligibility: MA for seniors looks at income and assets, with protections for a spouse who still lives at home. These limits change every year, so don't assume you earn too much — call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 and let them check.
Apply for Medical Assistance online or by phone, or at your county human services office.
Free help finding and completing the right application for long-term care through your county and the Senior LinkAge Line.
If you're on Medicare
If Medicare feels expensive, there's help.
Apply through your county or the state Medicaid agency; the Senior LinkAge Line can help you apply.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
Minnesota's free Medicare counseling program is delivered through the Senior LinkAge Line (also called Minnesota Aging Pathways). Trained counselors help you compare Medicare plans, understand your bills, sign up for cost-saving programs, and fix problems — all free, and they never sell anything.
Call Monday through Friday. This is the same number that handles almost everything else for seniors, which makes it a great place to start.
Everyday essentials
SNAP (food stamps)
In Minnesota this is called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; apply through your county or online. Many seniors qualify.
Arranged through your Area Agency on Aging — call the Senior LinkAge Line.
Dial 211 to find one nearby.
Contact Minnesota Housing, your local housing authority, or call 211.
Help with heating bills — apply through your county or dial 211.
Dial 211 any time.
Guidance & protection
Minnesota has Area Agencies on Aging across the state, and the Senior LinkAge Line is their shared, statewide front door.
One call connects you to local home care, meals, transportation, and caregiver support.
Another way to reach local senior services in your area.
Also known as 1-877-MY-MN-LAW. Enter your ZIP code and you'll be routed to the legal aid office for your area. Minnesotans age 60 and older may qualify for free help with civil legal issues.
LawHelpMN.org
More free legal resources.
The Senior LinkAge Line can also connect you to elder rights help.
If someone lives in a nursing home or assisted living and something isn't right, a free advocate called an ombudsman will speak up for them.
Calls are free and confidential. Learn more at mn.gov/ooltc or theconsumervoice.org.
Free, 24/7, connects you to local help of every kind.
Points you to senior services in your area.
Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433. Explain your situation in plain words. This one call opens the door to almost everything.
Call for free1-800-333-2433It's Minnesota's Medicaid program (MA). For low-income seniors, it can cover doctors, prescriptions, nursing home care, and help at home.
No. Regular Medicare doesn't cover assisted living or long-term custodial care. The Elderly Waiver through Medical Assistance is what can help with those costs.
Yes. These programs are built for people with limited income. Start with the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433.
Yes — the Medicare Savings Programs can pay your Part B premium (about $185/month) and sometimes more. The Senior LinkAge Line can help you apply.
Most people prefer home, and the Elderly Waiver and Alternative Care programs help make that possible. If more care is needed, MA can help with a nursing home too. The Senior LinkAge Line can help you weigh it.
Absolutely. That's exactly what the Senior LinkAge Line is for. Call 1-800-333-2433.
Reaching out isn't a burden on anyone — it's how these programs are meant to be used. Minnesota built them for families exactly like yours. Make one call today and let someone help.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.