MNsure Announces Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured Minnesotans in Response to Growing COVID-19 Concerns
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today MNsure announced a 30-day special enrollment period (SEP) for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance, in response to the potential growth of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. This SEP that begins Monday, March 23, and runs through April 21, will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through MNsure.org.
“As more cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed throughout the state, we want to make sure every Minnesotan has the security of health insurance to ensure they can get the care they need if they contract this serious illness,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “Uninsured Minnesotans can come to MNsure.org to sign up for coverage.”
Governor Tim Walz recently declared a peacetime emergency in response to the pandemic and stressed the importance of all Minnesotans to take care to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
TO CLARIFY: In pretty much all cases below, when it comes to restaurants, "shut down" refers to dining in only; they're pretty much all still allowing delivery/carryout orders.
ALL OTHER STATES: You may qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you've recently lost (or will soon lose) your employer-based healthcare coverage, or if you've experienced other Qualifying Life Events (QLE) such as getting marrinew yorked/divorced, moving, giving birth/adopting a child, getting out of prison, turning 26 etc. For these SEPs you may have to provide documentation to verify your QLE. Visit HealthCare.Gov or your state's ACA exchange website for details on the process.
Though open enrollment through MNsure has ended, there are still opportunities to enroll through a special enrollment period (SEP). Minnesotans who experience a qualifying life event, like aging off a parent's health insurance (turning 26), getting married, or losing other health coverage, may be eligible to apply. See a complete list of qualifying life events, including coverage start dates.
MNsure Reports Strong Enrollment Numbers in Seventh Open Enrollment Period
ST. PAUL, Minn.—117,520 Minnesotans signed up for private health coverage during MNsure’s seventh open enrollment period which ended on December 23, 2019—2,525 more sign-ups than the exchange received by December 23 of the previous year.
That's a 2.2% enrollment increase year over year (114,995), although CMS's official total was slightly lower than that (113,552 QHP selections). I don't know if the 1,443 discrepancy is due to clerical error cleanup, standalone dental plans being included in the higher number or what, but assuming the 117,520 figure stands, that's actually a 3.5% increase.
MNsure’s operations were notably smooth, and consumers reported improved customer experiences with the new online shopping and enrollment tools MNsure unveiled this year.
Monday is Your Last Chance to Enroll in Private Health Coverage Through MNsure
December 20, 2019
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Minnesotans have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 23, to enroll in health insurance coverage through MNsure for 2020.
"MNsure stands ready to help Minnesotans in the final days of open enrollment," said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. "The time to get enrolled is right now—don't lose out on your opportunity to get coverage in the new year."
MNsure will have extended Contact Center hours beginning tomorrow:
Saturday, December 21: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 22: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, December 23: 8 a.m. to midnight
Most people qualify for financial help. Minnesotans can see their estimated eligibility for financial help by using MNsure's plan comparison tool.
Please note, this deadline does not apply to Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare recipients or members of federally recognized Indian tribes. More information about renewing eligibility and reporting changes for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
Less Than a Week to Enroll; MNsure's Open Enrollment Period Ends December 23
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Minnesotans have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 23, to enroll in coverage through MNsure. After that date, Minnesotans will only be able to enroll in private health insurance coverage through MNsure if they qualify for a special enrollment period.
"Anyone with questions or who needs help enrolling should phone our Contact Center or reach out to a MNsure-certified assister,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “We’re here to help. Don't wait until the last minute—get covered today!”
MNsure will have extended Contact Center hours leading up to the deadline:
ST. PAUL, Minn.—With the end of MNsure's open enrollment period just under two weeks away, MNsure is reminding private health plan enrollees that there is still time to renew or change their coverage for 2020. Additionally, those who are seeking coverage for 2020 and have not yet submitted an application through MNsure can do so through December 23, 2019.
"We strongly encourage all Minnesotans to come back to MNsure.org and compare plans to ensure they are getting the best deal and the best coverage for their family," said Nate Clark, MNsure CEO. "Financial assistance to lower premium costs is available, and the majority of Minnesotans qualify."
MNsure's open enrollment period runs through December 23, 2019, eight days longer than the federal open enrollment period.
Below is a brief guide to assist Minnesotans with coverage during open enrollment:
All private health plans offered on the MNsure marketplace limit the out-of-pocket cost to enrollees for insulin prescriptions in 2020. Each of MNsure's four insurers are offering either low-cost or free insulin benefits, meaning consumers purchasing plans through MNsure will pay no more than 25 dollars per month for insulin.
"The rising cost of insulin has put a huge financial burden on many families across Minnesota," said Nate Clark, MNsure CEO. "It’s so important to have access to insulin at an affordable price. We encourage all those looking for prescription insulin coverage to check out the plan options at MNsure.org."
Last year, Minnesota's ACA exchange, MNsure, reported the following QHP selections numbers for the first two weeks of Open Enrollment (technically the first 13 days):
BY THE NUMBERS—
Private health plan sign ups—97,944
Call volume—14,335
Average speed of answer—7 seconds
Plan comparison sessions—49,064
The sign-ups reported include new consumers, renewing consumers who have come back and shopped for a new plan for 2019, and renewing consumers who are continuing their previous plan for 2019.
Of those, around 2,400 were new enrollees; the other 95.5K were renewals of existing enrollees (either active or auto-renewals).
