FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNsure is highlighting the free in-person enrollment work done by our partners in hospitals, clinics and health systems during Certified Application Counselor Week, December 22 - 28.

Certified application counselors (CACs) are trained and certified to help people with MNsure questions and enrollment. CACs are not insurance agents or brokers. They help people work through the process of applying and enrolling through MNsure in the context of their daily job duties at hospitals, clinics or associations. CACs can assist with qualified health plan enrollment during open enrollment periods, or Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollment year-round.

"So often, someone without health insurance will wait to receive care until the problem is no longer able to be ignored," said CEO Scott Leitz. "CACs are often able to get Minnesotans enrolled in quality, affordable health insurance coverage through MNsure while at the doctor's office or hospital so that medical issues can be followed up on or additional care can be received."

MNsure has more than 300 CACs statewide, with a majority in hospitals and clinics.

"It's very rewarding to do this," said Kathryn Raduechel, certified application counselor at Buffalo Hospital, and currently featured in this week's MNsure Minute. "It truly helps someone in that they might seek care that they would have otherwise not received because they didn't have coverage."

"When patients come to our hospital and clinics we want to make sure they are able to access and understand the coverage options available to them. That's why HCMC is happy to partner with MNsure and why we help our patients with their health insurance questions and work with them to find a plan through MNsure that meets their needs." said Jon L. Pryor, MD, MBA, CEO, Hennepin County Medical Center.

MNsure, in partnership with Allina Health, will host an enrollment opportunity event this week at Unity Hospital in Fridley, one of many enrollment opportunities held this week statewide. A MNsure-certified broker will also be on hand.

Allina CAC Open Enrollment Event
Unity Hospital
550 Osborne Road, Fridley, MN
Tuesday, December 23, 10 a.m. - noon

Open enrollment for 2015 coverage began November 15, 2014 and ends February 15, 2015. 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