FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. - College graduates may be "young invincibles," but they are the age group most likely to visit the emergency room, and without health insurance the expense of a trip to the ER can create a heavy burden. MNsure has launched the "Graduate with Health Coverage" campaign to remind young women and men that they may be eligible for affordable health insurance through the state's health insurance marketplace.

"As young adults across Minnesota anticipate life after college graduation, many will lose the health insurance they had through school and the peace of mind that comes with that coverage," said MNsure CEO Scott Leitz. "MNsure may be an option if certain criteria are met, and I encourage Minnesota's college graduates to explore their options on MNsure and to get covered."

Though the regular open enrollment period for 2014 has ended, people with qualifying life events can still enroll, and college graduates may be among those eligible to enroll.

While graduation in and of itself is not a qualifying life event, college graduates who experience a qualifying life event-such as the loss of university- or employer-sponsored health insurance that meets minimum essential coverage standards-may be eligible to enroll through MNsure. Graduates whose income makes them eligible for MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance, and who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, can also enroll through MNsure for coverage through one of these public programs. The following income parameters outline who is eligible for coverage through public programs:

• Individuals with annual incomes of up to $15,282 qualify for Medical Assistance
• Individuals with annual incomes of $15,282 to $22,980 qualify for MinnesotaCare

"We are excited to work with MNsure to educate graduating students about health insurance options available to them," said Dr. Rassoul Dastmozd, Saint Paul College President. "Graduation brings with it myriad life decisions, but neglecting health coverage shouldn't be among them, especially when young people lead such active lives. Getting sidelined by an injury or an illness could make moving forward tremendously difficult. We are eager to get the word out that checking out MNsure should be on any grad's to-do list."

Members of federally recognized Indian tribes and participants in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) can enroll for health coverage through MNsure year-round.

The next open enrollment period begins November 15, 2014, and runs through February 15, 2015.