FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: John Pollard
Legislative and Communications Director
651-201-8039

ST. PAUL, MN - Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced today that Minnesota has received a $39 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue design and development of a Minnesota health insurance exchange.

"This grant award brings Minnesota one step closer to a state-based health insurance exchange," said Commissioner Jim Schowalter. "This grant will provide the resources Minnesota needs to establish an exchange in time for open enrollment in October 2013."

Minnesota submitted this most recent grant application to HHS in November, 2012. Application documents (link to Commerce "latest news") can be viewed online. Grant funds will be used for IT licenses and maintenance costs, call center operation, consumer outreach including training for customer assistance, navigators, brokers and in-person assisters, consumer testing, and other administrative functions.

Exchange Executive Director April Todd-Malmlov said, We appreciate the support of the federal government as we work toward meeting upcoming operational deadlines. These funds will be crucial to build an exchange that fits the needs of Minnesota consumers and businesses."

The exchange is a new health insurance marketplace where individuals, families and small employers will be able to access quality health coverage. The Exchange will empower more than 1 million Minnesotans to choose the health insurance they need at a price they can afford, saving $1 billion every year on health care costs. It will facilitate enrollment in public health insurance and private insurance products, calculate eligibility for tax credits and allow Minnesotans to shop and compare between insurance products. The Exchange will also provide information on quality of health insurers and health care providers.

Enrollment in the Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange begins October 1, 2013. For more information about the new online health insurance marketplace, how it will benefit Minnesota consumers and businesses, and how to provide input or learn more about the stakeholder process visit www.mn.gov/HealthInsuranceExchange.

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