FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Joe Campbell
Communications and Marketing Director

ST. PAUL, Minn.- MNsure's CEO Scott Leitz and PreferredOne CEO Marcus Merz released the following statement today regarding PreferredOne's decision to no longer offer their health insurance products through MNsure in 2015.

"Today PreferredOne made the decision to not offer health plans through the health insurance exchange in 2015. Simply put, both organizations understand that MNsure is still an evolving partnership. This decision impacts 2015 enrollment.

"Consumers still have at least four, well-known, Minnesota based carriers who are committed to providing important health coverage to Minnesotans through MNsure, including people who qualify for tax credits and public programs.

"MNsure and PreferredOne will work closely to minimize impact to current enrollees in a PreferredOne Plan through MNsure."

What does this mean for people who are currently covered through PreferredOne?

All consumers currently enrolled through Preferred One will have continued coverage through their existing plan for the rest of 2014. Under state law, consumers have the right to be renewed into their existing coverage for 2015. However, this mandate does NOT require it to be offered at the same price.

Consumers currently enrolled in PreferredOne plans should review their options and come to MNsure to shop and compare during the upcoming open enrollment period, which begins November 15.

MNsure to contact PreferredOne customers

PreferredOne customers who purchased health insurance through MNsure last year will receive information from MNsure in early October detailing next steps and provides more information about today's announcement. We encourage enrollees to come to MNsure to shop and compare to ensure they are getting the best coverage for the lowest price.

Important information for consumers

MNsure remains the only place where consumers can qualify for financial help either through federal tax credits or the MinnesotaCare and Medicaid programs to help pay the cost for their health insurance plan.

• To be eligible for financial help, consumers must enroll in a commercial health plan offered through MNsure.
• Consumers must also enroll through MNsure if they want to be considered for eligibility in Minnesota's public programs: Medicaid or MinnesotaCare.

MNsure also offers consumers a resource to find free, in-person help from a network of more than 3,000 on-the-ground assisters, including navigators, brokers and others in every corner of Minnesota. The online directory of assisters is available at MNsure.org.

MNsure Background

• Since the launch of MNsure, 327,154 Minnesotans have enrolled in quality, affordable coverage through MNsure. 54,646 are enrolled in a qualified health plan, 200,548 in Medical Assistance and 71,960 in MinnesotaCare.
• Between September 30, 2013, and May 1, 2014, the number of uninsured Minnesotans fell by 40.6% to a record low.
• Open enrollment for 2015 coverage begins November 15, 2014.