MNsure Bulletin: strong start to open enrollment & more

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MNsure Bulletin

November 15, 2018

A Word from the CEO

Open enrollment is now underway! We are off to a strong start, with over 97,000 Minnesotans already enrolled in coverage for 2019.

Whether you've shopped with us in the past or are considering enrolling with us for the first time for 2019 coverage, I encourage you to visit our plan comparison tool today to find the plan that's right for you and your family. With rates dropping in 2019, your best option might have changed.

While open enrollment runs through January 13, 2019, the deadline for coverage that begins on the first of the year is December 15. If you're in need of coverage, don't leave this important decision to the last minute--begin comparing plans today!

Nate Clark, CEO


Understanding Health Care Costs

With private health insurance coverage, you may have costs besides the monthly premium, which are important to consider when choosing a plan.

  • Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket for covered health care services before your insurance plan begins to pay. (The deductible may not apply to all services.)
  • Co-pay: A fixed amount you pay for a covered health care service, usually when you receive the service. The amount can vary by the type of service.
  • Co-insurance: Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percentage of the allowed amount for the service. You pay co-insurance plus any deductibles you owe. For example, if the plan's allowed amount for an office visit is $100 and you've met your deductible, your co-insurance payment of 20% would be $20.

See more health care terms in our glossary.


2018 Coverage Still Available through Special Enrollment

Minnesotans who experience certain life events can qualify to enroll in 2018 health insurance through a special enrollment period.

Events such as getting married, having a baby, or losing insurance due to a layoff can make you eligible. You may qualify for a special effective date of coverage. In most cases, you must enroll within 60 days of the event.

Go to our website for a list of qualifying life events and watch our videos for more details on how to apply.

If you qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, or are a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, you can enroll through MNsure at any time of the year.


Get Free Help

Get free local help

There are hundreds of certified brokers and navigators around the state that offer free help with applying and enrolling in coverage. Find one in your community.

Check our calendar for an enrollment event near you.

Call the Contact Center at 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Closed Nov. 22 and 23 for Thanksgiving holiday)

Online Support

Need help, but don't have time to call? We have an online help tool that is tailored to assist with our most common questions.

You can find information about common technical issues, submitting an appeal, checking on the status of your enrollment, how to get help with a Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare case, and more.


Upcoming Meetings

METS Executive Steering Committee Meeting
November 27, 10 a.m.-noon
Room 1100, Minnesota Senate Building, 95 University Ave. W., St. Paul

Consumer and Small Employer Advisory Committee Meeting
November 27, 2:30–5 p.m.
UCare, 500 Stinson Boulevard NE, Minneapolis

Health Industry Advisory Committee Meeting
November 29, 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.


In the News

"MNsure says open enrollment off to smooth start" (Minnesota Public Radio)

"MNsure Sees High Traffic In First Week Of Enrollment" (KEYC-TV)

"MNsure open enrollment begins with new software" (Pioneer Press)

"MNsure says health plan enrollment launch goes 'smoothly'" (Star Tribune)

"Enrollment Open for Minnesota's Health Insurance Marketplace" (KSTP-TV)

"MNsure launches 6th open enrollment period" (KTTC-TV)


Stay updated on the latest MNsure news.