FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNsure CEO Scott Leitz will visit Farmfest in Redwood County on Tuesday, August 5, to talk with individuals, families and small business owners for whom agriculture is a way of life and affordable health insurance can be elusive. Leitz's visit marks MNsure's debut at Minnesota's largest outdoor farm show.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to hear from Minnesotans who make their living in agriculture, whether on the farm, on the ranch, selling equipment or making policy," said Leitz. "For too many in our state who are connected to farming and ranching, health insurance has been cost-prohibitive. The Affordable Care Act and MNsure have put comprehensive coverage within reach, and I'll be spreading that message at Farmfest."

MNsure outreach staff also will be on-site to talk with attendees about the benefits of MNsure and to answer questions about eligibility and enrollment. Outreach staff will be in the Minnesota Farmers Union hoop barn in lot 509 throughout the event.

"Farmers have a lot of questions about MNsure, and this is a good opportunity for them to get the information they need. We thank MNsure for joining us out at Farmfest," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.

Since the launch of MNsure, 278,022 Minnesotans have enrolled in quality, affordable coverage through MNsure. 164,866 are enrolled in Medical Assistance, 60,060 in MinnesotaCare and 53,096 in a qualified health plan. Between September 30, 2013, and May 1, 2014, the number of uninsured Minnesotans fell by 40.6% to a record low. Details are below.

MNsure CEO Scott Leitz at Farmfest
Date: Tuesday, August 5
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Minnesota Farmers Union hoop barn, lot 509

MNsure Outreach Staff at Farmfest
Dates: Tuesday, August 5 - Thursday, August 7
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. T and W, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Th.
Location: Minnesota Farmers Union hoop barn, lot 509

Farmfest will be held at the Gilfillan Estate, 28269 Highway 67 in Morgan, MN.