FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNsure today announced that Minnesotans will have more plans and coverage options to choose from in every county, and more access to financial help when the 2015 open enrollment period begins on November 15. MNsure is the only place where consumers can qualify for financial help-and most Minnesotans qualify.

"I am grateful for the work that the Minnesota Department of Commerce did to ensure a greater range of plans across the entire state, especially in regions where offerings were not as robust in 2014," said MNsure CEO Scott Leitz. "Add to that the fact that more Minnesotans will be able to save money by qualifying for financial help by shopping through MNsure, and today's announcement is indeed good news for Minnesota."

This year, five Minnesota-based insurers will offer coverage through MNsure, although the insurers are different. HealthPartners, UCare, Medica, Blue Plus, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield will offer coverage through the marketplace. Minnesotans will also be able to choose a multi-state plan, offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These multi-state plans are offered in all counties across Minnesota.

The Southeast region of the state, including Olmsted County, will now have greater plan choices and more competitive rates. Also identified as Rating Area 1, Southeastern Minnesota will have two insurers with greatly expanded service areas offering coverage this year.

"I am happy that we have attracted insurers to the market and are providing greater choice to Minnesotans throughout the state," said MNsure Board Chair Brian Beutner. "Some individuals may see lower rates and many more will benefit from state and federal financial help, so I encourage consumers to shop on MNsure to find what is best for them."

Plans sold through MNsure will cover all of the essential health benefits, including emergency services, maternity and newborn care, pediatric visits and mental health services, among others.

MNsure is the only place where consumers can qualify for financial help. MNsure is the only place Minnesotans can find out if they are eligible for cost savings such as tax credits, low-cost or even no-cost insurance. Today, Minnesotans can find income thresholds on the MNsure website, and see what cost savings they may be eligible for, as well as a snapshot of 2015 rates. All premium rates will be available online beginning November 15, once Open Enrollment is underway. At that time, consumers will be able to find out what specific tax credit or other cost savings they are eligible for.

Free, in-person assistance is available for Minnesotans who have questions about MNsure or who need help with enrollment. Certified navigators and brokers are available throughout the state.

Since the launch of MNsure, 343,075 Minnesotans have enrolled in quality, affordable coverage through MNsure. 55,705 are enrolled in a qualified health plan, 213,175 in Medical Assistance and 74,825 in MinnesotaCare. Between September 30, 2013, and May 1, 2014, the number of uninsured Minnesotans fell by 40.6% to a record low, and now 95 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage. Open enrollment for 2015 coverage begins November 15, 2014.