July 23, 2015
Though the pace of
enrollments through MNsure slows over the summer months, our staff is working
as hard as ever to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period that begins
November 1. We have a clear vision to make quality, affordable health insurance
a reality for every Minnesotan, and I’m proud of the steps we’re taking toward
that goal now, as well as the work we’ve already done.
In MNsure’s first open
enrollment period in fall 2013, we faced major technical challenges. Yet even
with those challenges, a SHADAC study found
we were able to reduce Minnesota’s uninsured rate by 40%.
Our second open
enrollment period in fall 2014 saw a stabilized IT system and a much smoother
shopping experience for the vast majority of MNsure enrollees.
Our third open
enrollment period will bring even more exciting changes as we look to build on
our past successes. This summer, MNsure is hard at work with our IT partners on
improving back-end functionality to assist our friends at the health plans,
counties and others in managing cases more efficiently. We’re also looking
forward to an improved shopping experience for consumers as we prepare to
launch a new consumer decision support tool.
I’m proud of where
we’ve been, but also where we’re going. And I’m proud that we’re finding ways
to put quality, affordable health insurance within reach for many Minnesotans.
MNsure is in a better place now than ever before, and working as hard as ever
to better serve our clients, our partners, and the state of Minnesota.
Allison O’Toole,
MNsure Interim CEO
Twenty health insurance agencies located across Minnesota will serve as MNsure
broker enrollment centers during the 2016 open enrollment period, November
1, 2015 – January 31, 2016.
The selected
agencies will have convenient walk-in sites that offer face-to-face assistance
from navigators and brokers for residents of surrounding communities.
“We know that
in-person help really makes a different for Minnesotans,” said interim CEO
Allison O’Toole. “We saw great success with the broker enrollment centers last
year, and we’re looking to build on that success.”
The 20 centers will
be highlighted on MNsure.org once open enrollment nears.
On Tuesday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 22,
staff from MNsure’s Consumer Assistance program welcomed representatives from eight
grantee
organizations and 18 broker
enrollment centers to St. Paul for orientations and an opportunity to meet face-to-face
with other consumer assisters serving their communities. Ongoing development of
both programs will ensure comprehensive services for consumers seeking free enrollment
help during the next open enrollment period and beyond.
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For people who have
experienced a job loss, COBRA coverage can be expensive. Did you know MNsure
provides an alternative that could save you money?
If you leave or
lose your job for any reason, and lose your job-based coverage, you can choose
to buy health insurance through MNsure instead of COBRA.
Find
out more or call us at 1-855-366-7873 to explore your affordable options.
Big life events like having a
baby, getting married or losing insurance due to a layoff could qualify you to
get health insurance coverage outside of open enrollment. Go to our website for
a list of qualifying
life events and find out how to apply for a
special enrollment period.
Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare recipients, members of federally
recognized Indian tribes or small employers enrolling in the Small Business Health Options
Program (SHOP) may enroll year round.
Call the Contact Center at 1-855-366-7873
Open Monday
– Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Get in-person assistance with enrollment
Find a navigator or broker in your community.
Check
our events calendar for enrollment opportunities and
events near you.
Health Industry Advisory Committee Meeting
July 23, 2:30 – 5:00 PM
UCare, 500 Stinson Boulevard NE, Minneapolis
MNsure Board of Directors Meeting
August 12, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
81 East 7th Street, 1st Floor Atrium, St. Paul
This meeting is also being broadcast via
live-streaming video.
Consumer and Small Employer Advisory
Committee Meeting
August 18, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
81 East 7th Street, 3rd floor, St. Paul
All of the board meetings can be attended in
person and are also available to view online. MNsure is committed to
accessibility and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals
with physical or mental disabilities. Please submit your specific request for
reasonable accommodations to AEO@MNsure.org at
least two weeks in advance of the event date. We appreciate your interest in
MNsure.
SHOP Employer Relations Associate
(Posting number 15MSUR000035; closes 7/23/15)
Executive Director (Posting number
15MSUR000033; closes 8/5/15)
More details on
our website
Go to the State of
Minnesota jobs website
“Counterpoint: Why we still need to give
MNsure a chance” (Star
Tribune)
Stay updated on the latest MNsure news.
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