9/11/2018 10:08:44 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A recent audit performed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showcased the value of Minnesota’s state-based exchange. The GAO report found that federal cuts to advertising and navigator funding in states using the federal exchange resulted in “68 percent fewer outreach events during the 2018 open enrollment period” compared to the prior year. In contrast, MNsure has maintained its grant funding for navigator organizations, which last year exceeded their outreach goals in Minnesota.
As Minnesota's state-run health insurance exchange, MNsure is financially self-sustained and thus shielded from federal budgetary cuts to consumer outreach efforts. This state-based control ensures MNsure's consumer outreach programs are community-based and targeted to ensure Minnesotans can get the health care coverage they need.
MNsure-certified /help/find-assister/find-navigator.jspnavigators are trained experts at local, trusted community organizations. Navigators can assist Minnesotans in determining eligibility for financial assistance and enrolling in coverage, assistance which is available at no cost to the consumer.
"MNsure's navigator grant program has proven to be an invaluable asset to Minnesotans looking for health coverage," said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. "We wouldn't have achieved record enrollment in 2018 without these experienced navigators offering year-round in-person help in local communities across the state."
BY THE NUMBERS:
During this past fiscal year, MNsure’s navigator grantees exceeded their goals by:
MNsure’s sustained funding for the program ensures that hundreds of trained navigators are ready to help Minnesotans enroll in coverage for 2019. MNsure's sixth open enrollment period runs November 1, 2018, to January 13, 2019, which is approximately a month longer than the federal open enrollment period.
Over 480,000 Minnesotans have accessed coverage through MNsure during the 2018 plan year. More information can be found at mnsure.org.
