When a recipient of Medical Assistance (MA) or General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) dies, the county can recover funds from estates for some health care services.
Alternative Care is part of Medical Assistance that is also subject to estate recovery.
Purpose of MA estate recovery
State law requires the county to pursue estate recovery and liens. This is to ensure funds are available for future MA recipients.
Estate recovery process
- County is notified of the death of an MA or GAMC recipient.
- The case is reviewed by Dakota County Collections.
- If it there is a recoverable claim, a collections specialist will reach out to the family. The collections specialist will request pre- and post-death financial records and funeral expense records.
- The collection specialist will review the documents. They will determine if funds should be recovered from the decedent's estate. If collection is required from the estate, the family will be notified.
Payment options
- Payments can be made by check, money order or cashier's check payable to Dakota County.
- Cash is only accepted in person. Bring cash payment to the Northern Service Center, first floor payment desk in West St. Paul.
- Currently, we are unable to take debit or credit cards.
To pay by mail, send payment to:
Dakota County Collections
ATTN: ESTE
1 Mendota Road, Suite 240
West St. Paul, MN 55118
If you have questions, please email estaterecovery@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-554-6555.
Selling property
When a property owner dies who was a recipient of medical assistance, a Certificate of Clearance could be needed to sell the property. Find out more about Certificates of Clearance.