FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Getting healthy and improving overall wellness is often a top New Year's resolution, and MNsure is making sure getting health insurance is part of that, as MNsure launches targeted outreach during Wellness Week, January 1 - 9.

"We all know diet and exercise are good for us, but there is more to wellness than just being fit," said CEO Scott Leitz. "We want to make sure Minnesotans are thinking about overall health, and that means getting health insurance coverage. Getting covered can relieve some worry as well as financial stress when medical care is needed."

Minnesotans shopping for health insurance coverage on MNsure have the ability to filter plans based on particular wellness programs, including fitness discounts and weight loss programs.

To assist with Wellness Week, Minnesota-based Anytime Fitness and the YMCA are teaming up with MNsure to provide free, in-person enrollment information at gym locations across Minnesota. Cobranded digital and print advertising will also appear statewide reminding Minnesotans about the importance of health insurance coverage.

We're all about helping people get to a healthier place, said Mark Daly, spokesperson for Anytime Fitness. That can mean physically, nutrition-wise and emotionally. We're proud to partner with MNsure in its effort to help Minnesotans focus on all aspects of a healthier lifestyle.

"The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility," said Jim McGowan, executive director of the Minnesota Alliance of YMCAs. "Through this partnership with MNsure we will provide an opportunity for individuals and families to find access and make informed decisions regarding their health care coverage."

A list of outreach opportunities at Anytime Fitness and YMCA locations is below. MNsure-certified navigators and brokers will be at each event to answer questions, assist with enrollment or schedule future enrollment appointments.

YMCA - Duluth, 302 West 1st Street, Monday, January 5, 4 - 6 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - St. Paul, 226 Spring Street, Monday, January 5, 5 - 7 p.m

YMCA - St. Cloud, 150 Northway Drive, Tuesday, January 6, 4 - 7 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - Hibbing, 3923 1st Avenue, Tuesday, January 6, 5 - 7 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - Brooklyn Park, 4646 85th Avenue North, Tuesday, January 6, 5 - 7 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - Minneapolis, 5309 Lyndale Avenue South, Tuesday, January 6, 5 - 7 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - Red Wing, 124 Tyler Road South, Wednesday, January 7, 3 - 5:30 p.m.

YMCA - Grand Rapids, 400 River Road, Wednesday, January 7, 4 - 6 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - Crookston, 2115 Sahlstom Drive, Wednesday, January 7, 5 - 7 p.m.

Anytime Fitness - Minneapolis, 5309 Lyndale Avenue South, Wednesday, January 7, 5 - 7 p.m.

YMCA - Albert Lea, 2021 West Main Street, Thursday, January 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

YMCA - Northfield, 1501 Honeylocust Drive, Thursday, January 8, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

YMCA - Mesabi, 8367 Unity Dr., Thursday, January 8, 5 - 7 p.m.

Open enrollment for 2015 coverage began November 15, 2014, and ends February 15, 2015. Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year-round. As of May 2014, 95 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage-the highest percentage in state history.