FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Shane Delaney
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications

ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNsure staff, along with MNsure-certified brokers and navigators, will be available to talk with fair-goers at the Minnesota State Fair, August 27-September 7. MNsure joins other health-focused organizations in the Health Fair 11 building at the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cooper Street.

"The State Fair is a great opportunity to meet with Minnesotans and answer their health insurance questions," interim CEO Allison O'Toole said. "We encourage anyone who buys health insurance on their own to come see us at our booth to find out how to get free enrollment assistance or financial help."

Fair-goers are encouraged to visit the MNsure booth to learn about MNsure, the state's health insurance marketplace. MNsure will once again offer on-site eligibility screenings for consumers who are eligible for a special enrollment period, MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance.

Information about the upcoming open enrollment period, as well as MNsure's grantee organizations and broker enrollment centers will also be available.

"We had great success last year with our navigator and broker partners in our booth," O'Toole said. "We rely on our partner organizations across the state for outreach and enrollment work. Having them with us at the Fair is a convenient way to connect with Minnesotans."

The 2016 open enrollment period is scheduled to begin November 1, 2015, and end on January 31, 2016. Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year-round. As of May 2014, 95 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage--the highest percentage in state history.