he most recent census reveals that Minnesota’s older population has grown significantly from the 12.9% recorded in the 2010 census to 16.3%. This statistic strongly suggests seniors are moving there in greater numbers. The reason may be Minnesota’s reputation as one of the healthiest states in the country, or the numerous high-quality medical facilities, including the internationally renowned Mayo Clinic.

Senior Minnesotans have numerous home care options to ease the day-to-day of older living. Home health care offers basic support delivered by medical professionals, allowing at-risk seniors to avoid institutional facilities. In-home care focuses on non-medical services, such as light housekeeping, shopping and personal care, including assistance with bathing and dressing. The average costs for each service reflect the providers’ skills, with in-home care typically charging $6,673 per month and home health care setting rates at $6,912 per month.

This guide considers average costs for home care and other types of care in Minnesota and the roles Medicaid and Medicare play. It also lists some potentially helpful senior-friendly resources.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Minnesota

In-home care’s national median is $4,957 per month, although this figure hides the wide fee variations often influenced by location. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey found Minnesota’s in-home care prices the costliest in the Midwest at $6,673 per month — a monthly increase of $1,716 compared to the national median. Although also above-average, South Dakota’s median fee is a more affordable $5,911, although not as much as North Dakota’s $5,689. Seniors in Iowa and Wisconsin typically pay $5,529 for in-home care, while their peers in Illinois pay $5,339 for similar services.

$6673

Minnesota

$4957

The United States

$5689

North Dakota

$5911

South Dakota

$5529

Iowa

$5529

Wisconsin

$5339

Illinois

In-home care costs vary greatly in Minnesota, from Mankato’s $5,720 per month average to Rochester’s $7,627 monthly fee. In Duluth, it’s not unusual to find in-home care agencies charging about $5,815 per month for their services, while in St. Cloud, the norm is $6,038 per month. Although more affordable than Rochester, agency fees in Minneapolis are still above the state average, at $7,055 per month.

$7055

Minneapolis

$7627

Rochester

$5720

Mankato

$6038

St. Cloud

$5815

Duluth

Although location influences care provider fees, the service level is also a factor in Minnesota. Consider nursing home fees, which average $11,601 per month. These facilities are expensive because care comes from qualified professionals operating at almost the same levels as hospitals. Compare this to an assisted living facility at $4,508 per month, also providing care and accommodation, but with fewer health care professionals and less medical equipment. In-home care and home health care agencies offer similar services as assisted living facilities, but in the senior’s home, so their fees reflect this, at $6,673 and $6,912, respectively. Adult day health care centers offer the most affordable monthly option at $2,167.

$6673

In-Home Care

$6912

Home Health Care

$11601

Nursing Home Care

$4508

Assisted Living Facility

$2167

Adult Day Health Care

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Minnesota?

Medicaid, known in Minnesota as Medical Assistance, can pay for medical and non-medical home care services, although strictly enforced criteria determine who is eligible and the services they can apply for. There are four programs designed to help frail seniors avoid institutional care. The Elderly Waiver is a multi-option program that includes home and residential care services; Personal Care Assistance provides non-medical services; Home Care Services focuses on medical care and Minnesota Senior Health Options blends Medicaid and Medicare to provide a full range of services. 

Home Care Waiver Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota’s Medicaid provides several programs for seniors disadvantaged by varying function levels. The programs listed here cover medical and non-medical needs, allow seniors to direct their care, and, in some cases, pay for hospital services.

Waiver
Contact
Services Provided

(800) 333-2433

The Elderly Waiver's scope is wide, covering costs for adult day care, transportation, home modifications, skilled nursing, personal attendants and residential care services. It can also pay for home health aides, home-delivered meals and family caregiver support. For eligibility, the senior must have income, assets and health care needs that qualify them for Medical Assistance. To apply, seniors can either call Senior LinkAge at (800) 333-2433 or contact their nearest Long-Term Care Consultation provider.

Personal Care Assistance is a non-medical program that helps struggling seniors with common activities, such as getting out of bed, dressing, bathing and housekeeping. The applicant's county or tribal health nurse arranges the mobility assessment, which also tests for memory loss conditions, and informs the senior of their options. A personal care assistant (PCA) delivers all the required services. The senior can choose their PCA, which can be a family member if the Department of Human Services approves them. Eligible applicants are seniors assessed as medically in need who qualify for Medical Assistance and can direct their own care.

(800) 333-2433

Minnesota Senior Health Options is available to adults aged 65 and over eligible for Medicaid and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. It combines both programs for a full health care service that plugs care gaps from unreimbursed necessary services by either program. Services may include a home health aide and in-home care worker provision, dental care, transportation, hospital care and doctor visits. Location factors in the number of plans available, so you may wish to contact your nearest county or tribal office for local details.

Home Care Services provides either short-term medical and non-medical services for seniors transitioning to/from nursing homes and long-term services who can receive home care. Successful applicants can get home health aide and personal care attendant services in addition to medical equipment and supplies. To be eligible, the senior must qualify for Medical Assistance, be deemed in need by a physician and be able to receive all care services in their home. Seniors should contact their local county or tribal office to begin the application process.

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Minnesota

Minnesota establishes income and asset limits for Medicaid to ensure available funds go to the neediest. Its set income limits are at 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, which, as of 2022, makes the annual limit for a single applicant $13,596 and $18,324 when both spouses in a two-person household apply. Assets are limited to $3,000 per applicant. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Minnesota

Income Limits*
Asset Limits

Single Person

$13,596

$3,000

Two-Person Household

$18,324

$6,000**

*Per year
**Plus $200 for each dependent

Medical Assistance applicants must satisfy other eligibility conditions for support consideration. The senior must be:

  • A U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen
  • A Minnesota resident
  • In need of care because of at least one qualifying functional impairment

How to Apply for Medicaid in Minnesota

Regardless of the senior’s contact method, every Minnesota Medical Assistance applicant must complete a paper application form. 

What Information You Will Need

  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • All health insurance policy numbers
  • Proof of income/assets, such as bank account statements, copies of bonds, real property tax statements, etc.
  • Proof of items sold, traded or gifted in the previous 60 months

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

There are several resources open to seniors who want assistance applying for Medical Assistance. This list includes two sources of free assistance as well as legal support for seniors who can’t resolve Medicaid issues without an attorney’s help.

Contact
Area Served
Services Provided

(800) 333-2433

Statewide

The Minnesota Board on Aging and the state's Area Agencies on Aging provide the free Senior LinkAge Line phone service. Its advisors can help seniors negotiate confusing aspects of Medical Assistance and refer them to other resources if required.

Multiple Contacts

Statewide

The Department of Human Services manages multiple county and tribal offices across Minnesota. Every office has at least one staff member trained to assist seniors applying for Medical Assistance. Potential applicants can call their local office and make an appointment to speak to a specialist.

Statewide

Minnesota Legal Services Coalition, a group that provides free legal aid to Minnesotans on low incomes, indirectly manages LawHelpMN.org. Its attorneys and paralegals can help seniors denied Medicaid. The site also has a useful self-help library with a section on benefits and health care.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Minnesota?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Minnesota

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Minnesota

There are many government agencies and nonprofit organizations assisting Minnesotan seniors daily. Those listed here can help reduce energy costs, make homes safer and more fuel-efficient and reduce the senior’s tax burden. There’s also support for unpaid caregivers.

Contact
Area Served 
Services Provided

(651) 776-4273

Statewide

Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit organization specializing in home repairs for low-income Minnesotans, particularly the aged and disabled. Its volunteers help make homes safer by installing new flooring, windows and siding, as well as repairing or replacing faulty HVAC systems and dangerous roofs. Applicants must own and live in the home needing repairs, have an income at or below 50% of their area's median income and plan to remain in the home for at least five years after volunteers complete the work.

(800) 657-3710

Statewide

The Energy Assistance Program can pay up to $2,000 to help eligible households pay their energy bills. There are no restrictions on the fuel type the program will help pay for and there's no requirement to pay the money back. The program bases grants on the household's size, which can pay for existing energy bills and pay the supplier directly. Homeowners and renters can apply and, in an emergency, can request a fuel delivery or heating system repair.

(800) 657-3710

Statewide

The Weatherization Program helps make homes more energy-efficient and safer for seniors, reducing the fuel needed to heat their homes. An energy auditor will inspect the property of low-income homeowners and renters who qualify to determine the required weatherization work. This work includes insulating the attic and exterior walls, sealing air leaks and repairing or replacing the furnace, boiler and water heater.

(800) 652-9094

Statewide

Minnesota's Department of Revenue provides several tax relief programs for residents aged 65 and older. Seniors and disabled residents who meet the income requirements can claim a deduction that lowers their Minnesota taxable income. There is also a Social Security benefit subtraction for Minnesotans within the program's income limits and a property tax deferral for citizens aged 65 and older with an annual household income below $60,000.

(800) 333-2433

Statewide

Minnesota provides several resources to help unpaid caregivers looking after their loved ones. These resources include phone support and referrals, as well as training and consultancies. Its limited respite care services give caregivers time to rest or catch up on personal priorities. Training classes and consultancy meetings are usually face-to-face but can be online if required.

COVID-19 Rules for In-Home Care Providers in Minnesota

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate requiring all Minnesota Medicaid and Medicare health care providers to comply fully by February 28, 2022. As compliance is a condition to remain in the Medicaid and Medicare programs, home health agencies must ensure 100% of their medical and non-medical staff have received mandatory doses of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccine and those exempted get tested weekly. If you’re concerned your home care worker is unvaccinated, contact your care provider.

This information is current as of April 2022. As COVID-19 rules and regulations are subject to change at short notice and your provider may have additional policies for your safety, it’s generally good practice to get the latest information from your provider.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Minnesota

Home care providers in Minnesota are regulated through the Home Care and Assisted Living Program (HCALP), operated by the Health Regulation Division of the Minnesota Department of Health. The HCALP oversees the licensing and registration of basic providers that offer nonmedical services, conducts on-site surveys to ensure compliance with state regulations and investigates complaints. This table offers an overview of the rules and regulations that apply to home care providers in Minnesota.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Minnesota
Scope of Care
Providers licensed to offer basic, nonmedical in-home care may deliver a range of services to clients. The scope of care may include assisting with activities of daily living, including completing personal care tasks such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, ambulation and eating. Staff may also prepare meals and prescribed modified diets, complete housekeeping and laundry chores and shop for the household.
Care Plan Requirements
Within 30 days of initiating service, basic home care providers must conduct an assessment of a new client's needs and preferences and develop a care plan that details the specific services and personnel to meet these needs. This plan must be agreed upon and signed by the provider and the client or their representative. Ongoing evaluations of the client's condition and needs must be performed every 90 days, and their care plan updated accordingly.
Medication Management Requirements
Providers with basic licenses may not offer medication management services to clients. A provider's direct care staff may offer visual or verbal clues to assist clients in taking medications or supply food or liquids to accompany medications.
Staff Screening Requirements
Home care providers must have background checks and tuberculosis screenings conducted as part of their hiring process.
Staff Training Requirements
Staff of nonmedical providers delivering direct care services to clients must undergo a training and competency assessment, and pass a skills test related to their duties. Each staff member also must complete eight hours of relevant training every 12 months.
Medicaid Coverage
The Minnesota Medicaid program, Medical Assistance, covers the cost of various in-home services through its Elderly Waiver. This is not a Medicaid entitlement program, so participation is capped, and there may be a waiting list to receive covered services.
Reporting Abuse
Concerned individuals may report suspected mistreatment of a vulnerable senior to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center by calling 844-880-1574. Reports are confidential and can be made 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?

Minnesota’s state Medicaid plan only pays for care in a nursing facility. MA does offer an Elderly Waiver that covers the cost of a number of in-home supports and services for state residents aged 65 and older who meet the program’s functional and financial criteria. Read More

Are There Programs to Cover Home Modifications in Minnesota?

Minnesota Medicaid’s Elderly Waiver helps cover the cost of home modifications to improve accessibility and safety. Assistance is also available through state-run programs, including Alternative Care, Essential Community Supports and the Minnesota Consumer Support Grant. Each program has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet.

How Much Does In-Home Care Cost in Minnesota?

Nonmedical home care costs an average of $5,529 per month in Minnesota, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019. This is over $1,200 above the national monthly median but $286 below the state’s average cost for home health care services, which include skilled nursing care.

Does Medicare Pay for In-Home Care?

Medicare does not pay for full-time in-home care. It does cover specific in-home services for beneficiaries recovering from surgeries, hospital stays, illnesses and injuries who are under a physician’s care. These include short-term skilled nursing care, home health aide services and occupational and physical therapy sessions.

What Are Activities of Daily Living?

Activities of daily living, which are commonly referred to as ADLs, are the basic self-care tasks a person normally completes each day. These six tasks include bathing, dressing, grooming, ambulation, elimination and eating. ADLs differ from instrumental activities of daily living, which involve more complex skills.

Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Minnesota?

Family members can get paid for caregiving in Minnesota under the Personal Care Assistance program. Family members and personal care recipients must meet certain qualifications. This in-home care option is designed for seniors who want to remain in their own homes but need some extra help. Seniors who live in a senior living community may also qualify for personal care assistance. Read More

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Minnesota

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

Find Home Care Agencies Near You

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.

Directory of Home Care Services in Minneapolis, MN

2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Right at Home Twin Cities and South Suburbs

2626 E 82nd St #150, Bloomington, MN, 55425

Our experience with Paul and the team from Right at Home has been outstanding. From our very first meeting, I knew that my wife would be very well cared for by a group of compassionate and caring ind … (read more)
Our experience with Paul and the team from Right at Home has been outstanding. From our very first meeting, I knew that my wife would be very well cared for by a group of compassionate and caring ind … (read more)

SYNERGY HomeCare of Golden Valley

7575 Golden Valley Road, Suite 270, Golden Valley, MN, 55427

I wouldn’t be able to function without them. Every caregiver they’ve sent is outstanding.
I wouldn’t be able to function without them. Every caregiver they’ve sent is outstanding.

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

SYNERGY Homecare – Blaine, MN

9298 Central Avenue NE, Suite 202, Blaine, MN, 55434

SYNERGY HomeCare is your Award-Winning Choice for Non-Medical home care for the Twin Cities Northeast Metro. We have been a Caring Super Star of Caring.com since 2021 meaning we have won their Caring … (read more)
SYNERGY HomeCare is your Award-Winning Choice for Non-Medical home care for the Twin Cities Northeast Metro. We have been a Caring Super Star of Caring.com since 2021 meaning we have won their Caring … (read more)

Home Instead – Andover & Stillwater, MN

1883 Station Pkwy NW, Suite B, Andover, MN, 55304

We have Home Instead – Andover, MN help for my mom. A home health aide comes in four hours a day, three times a week. We’ve been using them since June or July of last year. They were one of the ones w … (read more)
We have Home Instead – Andover, MN help for my mom. A home health aide comes in four hours a day, three times a week. We’ve been using them since June or July of last year. They were one of the ones w … (read more)

Home Instead – Maple Grove, MN

9684 63rd Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, 55369

From the first interview, my experience with Home Instead was excellent. My husband’s caregiver was a delight, getting to know and understand my husband despite the fog of dementia. He also helped me … (read more)
From the first interview, my experience with Home Instead was excellent. My husband’s caregiver was a delight, getting to know and understand my husband despite the fog of dementia. He also helped me … (read more)

Griswold Home Care – Anoka, MN

224 East Main St. Suite 201, Anoka, MN, 55303

If you have an aging, disabled, or injured loved one, you understand the challenges they face living independently at home. Whether it’s simple tasks like getting in or out of bed or just someone to t … (read more)
If you have an aging, disabled, or injured loved one, you understand the challenges they face living independently at home. Whether it’s simple tasks like getting in or out of bed or just someone to t … (read more)

Home Instead – Edina, MN

4445 W 77th St, Suite 121, Edina, MN, 55435

Extremely caring and helpful people all around, we couldn’t be happier with our Caregiver and the rest of the staff.
Extremely caring and helpful people all around, we couldn’t be happier with our Caregiver and the rest of the staff.

Senior Helpers Twin Cities North

2345 Rice St Suite 175 , Roseville, MN, 55113

More than 90% of seniors want to be able to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting. At Senior Helpers Twin Cities North, we believe that getting the be … (read more)
More than 90% of seniors want to be able to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting. At Senior Helpers Twin Cities North, we believe that getting the be … (read more)

Care MN – Chanhassen, MN

7008 Dakota Avenue , Chanhassen, MN, 55317

As a home care provider, we want you to trust us with your personal and health needs. Know who we are and our aim. <p></p> Who We Are <p></p> We proudly provide non-medical home care services to … (read more)
As a home care provider, we want you to trust us with your personal and health needs. Know who we are and our aim. <p></p> Who We Are <p></p> We proudly provide non-medical home care services to … (read more)

SYNERGY HomeCare MSP Metro

2336 LEXINGTON AVE N, Roseville, MN, 55113

Welcome to SYNERGY HomeCare MSP Metro. We are a full service, comprehensively-licensed home care agency. We specialize in helping people stay safely in their homes. Our services include personal care … (read more)
Welcome to SYNERGY HomeCare MSP Metro. We are a full service, comprehensively-licensed home care agency. We specialize in helping people stay safely in their homes. Our services include personal care … (read more)

Right at Home Plymouth, MN

4205 Lancaster Ln Ste 104 , Plymouth, MN, 55441

Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyday tasks that have become challenging for an aging person. Th … (read more)
Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyday tasks that have become challenging for an aging person. Th … (read more)

Always Best Care of Waconia

712 Vista Blvd, Suite #149, Waconia, MN, 55387

On 02/01/22 I was informed by my ward’s social worker that she had started service with Always Best Care (ABC). It took a while, but ABC finally scheduled and intake appointment for 02/25/22. Unfort … (read more)
On 02/01/22 I was informed by my ward’s social worker that she had started service with Always Best Care (ABC). It took a while, but ABC finally scheduled and intake appointment for 02/25/22. Unfort … (read more)

Wisdom Match

921 Vineland Ct , Chanhassen, MN, 55317

Wisdom Match is committed to creating the perfect experience of In Home Care. We believe that the right way to provide care is not only by giving peace of mind to the family and supporting daily tasks … (read more)
Wisdom Match is committed to creating the perfect experience of In Home Care. We believe that the right way to provide care is not only by giving peace of mind to the family and supporting daily tasks … (read more)

Bridging Hands LLC

685 Village Dr , Lino Lakes, MN, 55014

Bridging Hands LLC is a home health care agency that’s dedicated to delivering the finest professional, compassionate, and respectful care to adults and seniors in their humble homes. We understa … (read more)
Bridging Hands LLC is a home health care agency that’s dedicated to delivering the finest professional, compassionate, and respectful care to adults and seniors in their humble homes. We understa … (read more)

TheKey – Minneapolis

7878 B. Main St, Maple Grove, MN, 55369


BrightStar Care of Maple Grove & Andover

6240 Quinwood Ln N , Maple Grove, MN, 55369

Our professional care teams, each led by a Registered Nurse, deliver expert, compassionate, and personal care. We deliver the right level of care for your loved one’s personal and medical needs – from … (read more)
Our professional care teams, each led by a Registered Nurse, deliver expert, compassionate, and personal care. We deliver the right level of care for your loved one’s personal and medical needs – from … (read more)

Senior Helpers of Lake Minnetonka

2415 Annapolis Lane N, Plymouth, MN, 55441

Senior Helpers of Lake Minnetonka is officed in Plymouth and ran by a speech-language pathologist and former PT who believe in supporting our caregivers to provide the highest quality of care to suppo … (read more)
Senior Helpers of Lake Minnetonka is officed in Plymouth and ran by a speech-language pathologist and former PT who believe in supporting our caregivers to provide the highest quality of care to suppo … (read more)

Senior Helpers of Edina, MN

5275 Edina Industrial Blvd Suite 130 , Edina, MN, 55439

More than 90% of seniors want to be able to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting. At Senior Helpers Twin Cities North, we believe that getting the be … (read more)
More than 90% of seniors want to be able to age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care can seem daunting. At Senior Helpers Twin Cities North, we believe that getting the be … (read more)

BrightStar Care of South Minneapolis Metro

8900 Penn Avenue S, Suite 301, Bloomington, MN, 55431

I work full time and I tried to get her ready while being in meetings and answer emails. She can get the one on one attention she needs. I really liked and connected with the branch manager. The car … (read more)
I work full time and I tried to get her ready while being in meetings and answer emails. She can get the one on one attention she needs. I really liked and connected with the branch manager. The car … (read more)

Homewatch CareGivers Serving Edina & the West Metro

7242 Metro Blvd. , Edina, MN, 55439

They are on time and they are good people. I like that they work with us and troubleshoot with us. The caregivers that come drive me to my appointments and sometimes do cleaning for me.
They are on time and they are good people. I like that they work with us and troubleshoot with us. The caregivers that come drive me to my appointments and sometimes do cleaning for me.

Home Care Services in Minnesota (162)