FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The main software components that will make up the MNsure online exchange are now being installed and work continues to make the system ready for open enrollment in November.

This past weekend, IBM installed the final versions of software designed to determine eligibility for public programs and tax credits and allow consumers to enroll in qualified health plans. The new version of the IBM software also includes new base functions that will allow consumers to automatically renew coverage or make changes to coverage due to life events, such as having a child or getting married. Components built by EngagePoint and Connecture will be added in the next two weeks.

Once the primary software is in place, the integration and customization work to complete the exchange will continue through the month of August. System testing is scheduled to begin in early September.

"We are making good progress and keeping to our schedule, but we have a lot to get done before this system is ready for open enrollment," said MNsure Board Chair Brian Beutner. "We are also making sure we are ready to react to problems. It isn't realistic to assume that everything is going to work perfectly, and that's why we are going to have contingencies in place."

Since the launch of MNsure, 289,445 Minnesotans have enrolled in quality, affordable coverage through MNsure. 172,896 are enrolled in Medical Assistance, 63,058 in MinnesotaCare and 53,491 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.