August 24, 2017
As the summer begins to wind down, Minnesotans who purchase
health insurance on the individual market received two pieces of welcome news.
Earlier this month, MNsure announced that we will be giving
Minnesotans more time to enroll in coverage during the upcoming enrollment
period. While the federal government cut this fall’s open enrollment down to
six weeks, we have the flexibility as a state-based marketplace to supplement
this shorter period. Therefore, we’ve made the decision to allow all
Minnesotans to enroll in coverage from November 1, 2017, to January 14, 2018.
I know shopping for health care coverage is complex, and
this additional four weeks will be crucial to allowing Minnesotans the time
they need to find the coverage that is right for them.
On a related note, the Department of Commerce has released preliminary
health insurance rates for 2018. This early look at potential rates offers
good news to Minnesotans—provided the federal government approves the
reinsurance plan the legislature passed earlier this year. With approval,
Minnesota’s rates in 2018 will between about 15% less and 10% more than last
year, depending on where you live and where you purchase insurance.
While MNsure plays no role in the rate review process, we
are here to help by being the only place Minnesotans can qualify for tax credits
to alleviate some of the cost. Please keep in mind these rates may change as
the Department of Commerce undertakes its rate review process, and they do not
factor in tax credit discounts.
Sincerely,
Allison O'Toole, CEO
This week we announced there will be 17 broker
agencies across the state providing walk-in enrollment sites for the 2018
open enrollment period. This broker enrollment center initiative is now in its
fourth year.
The enrollment centers provide face-to-face assistance from
MNsure-certified brokers and navigators for residents of surrounding
communities.
"Our enrollment centers offer a critical service during
open enrollment," said CEO Allison O'Toole. "The ability to simply
walk in and get your questions answered means more accessibility and
convenience for Minnesotans."
During the 2017 open enrollment period, MNsure broker
enrollment centers enrolled more than 12,000 Minnesotans into private health
insurance plans through MNsure.
It's important to update your MNsure account if any of your
information changes. Doing this when changes occur can save you time and hassle
later.
This could include a new address, changes to your income or
changes to your family size. If you are enrolled in a private health plan, you
need to report any changes that affect your enrollment or your eligibility for
financial help within 30 days of the change.
Why?
- The
amount of financial help you qualify for could go up or down
- You could
qualify to switch plans
- Your
plan might not be available if you have moved to a different area
- So
that notices and forms are mailed to the correct address
How to
report changes and life events
Big life events like getting married, having a baby, or
losing insurance due to a layoff could make you eligible to get health
insurance for 2017. Go to our website for a list of qualifying
life events and find out how to apply for a special enrollment period. In
most cases, you must enroll within 60 days of the event.
If you qualify for
Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, are a member of a federally recognized
Indian tribe, or are a small group employer, you can enroll through MNsure at
any time of the year.
Call the Contact Center at 1-855-366-7873. or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter.
(Due to privacy policy, not all questions can be handled via social media.)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed Monday, September 4, for Labor Day holiday.)
Get free enrollment help:
Find a navigator or broker in your community.
Find an enrollment
event near you.
METS Executive Steering Committee Meeting
September 26, 10 a.m.–noon
Room 1100, Minnesota Senate Building, 95 University Ave. W., St. Paul
Consumer and Small Employer Advisory
Committee Meeting
September 26, 2:30–5 p.m.
UCare, 500 Stinson Boulevard NE, Minneapolis
Health Industry Advisory Committee Meeting
September 28, 2:30–5 p.m.
UCare, 500 Stinson Boulevard NE, Minneapolis
All of the board meetings can be attended in
person and are available 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.
Administrative Assistant (Job ID 15747, closes 8/24/2017)
Digital Communications Associate (Job ID 15704, closes
8/30/2017)
Health Insurance Program Representative (Job ID 15787,
closes 8/25/2017)
More details
on our website
Go to the State of
Minnesota jobs website
"My
View: MNsure offers resources, tax credits for farmers, others"
(Allison O'Toole; Mankato Free Press)
"MNsure's
consumer-friendly move gives consumers an extra month to shop" (Star
Tribune editorial)
"Health
plan increases are projected to slow in Twin Cities" (Star Tribune)
"MNsure
sign-up period will stretch into January" (Star Tribune)
"Minnesota
farmers wonder about health insurance as uncertainties cloud future"
(InForum)
Stay updated on the latest MNsure news.
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