FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.- MNsure is soliciting partnership proposals for our Broker Enrollment Center Initiative. The organization is looking for agencies interested in hosting an enrollment center or centers focused on the individual health insurance market for the 2016 open enrollment period beginning November 1, 2015, through January 31, 2016.

Interested agencies must submit proposals by May 29, 2015, for consideration. The selected agencies will provide and staff convenient walk-in sites for residents of surrounding communities. Face-to-face assistance from MNsure-certified brokers and navigators will be available. Selected sites will be open throughout the open enrollment period.

"We know that in-person help really makes a difference for Minnesotans, and we want to build on this program which saw huge success during the last open enrollment period," said CEO Scott Leitz. "Certified brokers are able to offer their knowledge and expertise at no additional cost to MNsure consumers. This is one of the best ways to find a health insurance plan that fits your budget and needs."

During the 2015 open enrollment period, six broker enrollment centers enrolled more than 1,700 Minnesotans into private health insurance plans through MNsure. Each of these six agencies saw their 2015 MNsure enrollments grow by as much as 22 times over their 2014 MNsure enrollment. MNsure and the selected lead agencies will combine marketing efforts to encourage Minnesotans to visit the MNsure-branded walk-in sites, get their questions answered in person and get enrolled into coverage.

"The broker enrollment centers proved to be a crucial resource for Minnesotans who enrolled through MNsure last year. This partnership will continue to strengthen relationships with MNsure-certified brokers and agents and make enrolling easier for consumers," said MNsure Director of Broker Relations Ken Harpell.

The /about-us/rfp-contract/index.jspsolicitation for partnership proposals can be found online.

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.