Your Guide to Private Coverage through MNsure
Private health plans may be new to you. The information below will help you learn about the differences between private health plans and Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare and how to use your new coverage.
How is private insurance different?
- Private health insurance — also known as qualified health plans or QHPs — is coverage offered by private insurance companies on the MNsure marketplace.
- You pay a premium each month for private insurance. You must pay your premium each month to continue to have coverage.
- You may be able to get help paying for your premiums. This financial help is only available through MNsure and depends on your income, household size and the cost of insurance in your area.
- Most private plans have deductibles (the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for health care for services covered by your health insurance or plan before your health insurance or plan begins to pay).
- You can shop and compare plans and pick the one that's best for you.
Why buy private coverage through MNsure?
- MNsure is the only place you can get financial help to lower your costs.
- All private health plans sold through MNsure are guaranteed to cover the same core set of benefits including preventive services, mental health and substance abuse services, emergency services, prescription drugs and hospitalization.
- All private health plans sold through MNsure include important consumer protections like no discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and no lifetime limits on coverage.
- Plans available outside of MNsure may not include the same benefits and protections.
How do I use my new coverage?
After you select a private health plan and pay your premium, you will receive a membership packet with your insurance card and information called "summary of benefits and coverage" that describes what your plan covers.
If you have questions about your coverage, call your insurance company to get help.
Once your coverage starts, use it to help cover your health care costs. Learn more at these links:
