3/20/2014 10:14:43 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator
ST. PAUL, Minn. - With the 2014 open enrollment period entering its final weeks, MNsure is launching a statewide effort to reach "young invincibles" and encourage them to enroll in quality, affordable health insurance coverage by the March 31 deadline. The week will include enrollment opportunities at happy hours and college campuses as well as increased awareness online, at public events and during the NCAA March Madness broadcasts.
"Young people have a tendency to think they don't need health insurance because they seem healthy," said interim CEO Scott Leitz. "Unfortunately - anything can happen to anyone and it is important for young people to have quality, affordable health insurance coverage to protect them from financial disaster."
As of today, more than 1,000 enrollment opportunities have been organized by MNsure-certified navigators and brokers during the month of March; and more than 128,000 Minnesotans have enrolled in health insurance coverage through MNsure. 32% of qualified health plan enrollments are from people through age 34. 16% are from the "young invincible" target of 26 - 34 year olds.
"As our total enrollment numbers continue to increase during these final days of open enrollment, we want to make sure young people are part of that mix," said Leitz. "We are coming to them to make sure they know their health insurance options."
Monday, March 31, is the final deadline to make plan selection and payment for coverage starting May 1, 2014. This is the last day to enroll in health insurance inside or outside of MNsure for coverage in 2014. Consumers who do not enroll in coverage by March 31 may also have to pay a tax penalty. The next open enrollment period begins on November 15, 2014.
MNsure's "March to Enroll" Invincibles Week includes:
Thursday, March 20
Press Conference Launch
Learning Commons, Saint Paul College, 235 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul
Navigator Victoria Quiroz from Portico Healthnet will speak about her experience helping young people enroll in health insurance coverage.
Scott Beauchamp, a young invincible featured in MNsure's "20 Days, 20 Stories" campaign will share his MNsure success story.
Friday, March 21
Twitter Town Hall
Twitter.com, noon - 1 p.m.
Interim CEO Scott Leitz will take over the @MNsure Twitter handle to answer your questions. Use #AskMNsure when submitting your questions.
MNsure Outreach with Barkhad Abdi and Faysal Ahmed, stars of Captain Phillips
Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Barkhad and Faysal will share their personal stories about the importance of quality health insurance. MNsure-certified navigators and brokers will also be on hand to assist with questions and enrollment.
Saturday, March 22
Firkin Fest
Happy Gnome, 498 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, noon - 6 p.m.
MNsure outreach staff will be at the fest handing out information and answering questions about MNsure.
Monday, March 24
Communication across college campuses
MNsure information will be distributed to students across all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses.
Tuesday, March 25
Minneapolis Happy Hour
Pat's Tap, 3510 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, 4 - 6 p.m.
MNsure-certified navigators and brokers will be on hand to answer questions and assist with enrollment.
Free skee-ball for anyone that talks to a MNsure-certified navigator or broker about health insurance coverage.
Wednesday, March 26
Brewery Night
Great Waters Brewing Co., 426 St. Peter Street, St. Paul, 7:30 - 9 p.m.
MNsure-certified navigators and brokers will be on hand to answer questions and assist with enrollment.
Thursday, March 27
St. Paul Happy Hour
Sweeney's Saloon, 96 Dale Street North, St. Paul, 4 - 6 p.m.
MNsure-certified navigators and brokers will be on hand to answer questions and assist with enrollment.
Friday, March 28
MNsure Outreach with Barkhad Abdi and Faysal Ahmed, stars of Captain Phillips
Great River Regional Library, 1300 West St. Germain Street, St. Cloud
Barkhad and Faysal will share their personal stories about the importance of quality health insurance. MNsure-certified navigators and brokers will also be on hand to assist with questions and enrollment.
Resources to encourage young invincibles to enroll:
