3/28/2014 10:14:43 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator
ST. PAUL, Minn.-As the end of the 2014 open enrollment period on March 31 draws to a close, MNsure is expecting an increased number of Minnesotans to use MNsure.org and to call the MNsure Contact Center. This could result in longer than usual wait times for service.
"Our number one priority is getting Minnesotans covered in quality, affordable health coverage," said interim CEO Scott Leitz. "We know call center wait times will increase and so we ask people for their patience, and urge them to take action immediately."
In response to increased demand for coverage, the MNsure Contact Center (1-855-366-7873) will be open Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and on Monday, March 31, 8 a.m. - midnight.
To avoid long hold times, the MNsure Contact Center suggests calling on the weekend or right away in the morning.
Users experiencing online issues or extended Contact Center wait times can fill out the MNsure Enrollment Attempt Form before 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 31, and will be contacted at a later date to complete enrollment. The form can be found on the MNsure.org homepage. Users are urged not to call the Contact Center to confirm receipt of the MNsure Enrollment Attempt Form.
Minnesotans with questions about Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare should call the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) Member Help Desk at 651-431-2670 or 800-657-3739. The MHCP Member Help Desk will be open on Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and on Monday, March 31, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Monday, March 31, is the last day to enroll, or attempt 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.
This deadline does not apply to Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare recipients or participants in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) or members of federally recognized Indian tribes.
