FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Today, interim CEO Scott Leitz updated the MNsure Board of Directors on the organization's progress as open enrollment winds down. More than 118,000 Minnesotans have enrolled through MNsure for affordable, comprehensive health coverage as the March 31 deadline approaches.

Leitz presented the preliminary budget for 2015, the result of a concentrated effort to make adjustments informed by the process of building and operating the new health insurance marketplace.

"The proposed 2015 budget reflects the experience we've gained over time, and the result is a balanced and sustainable financial plan," said MNsure's interim CEO, Scott Leitz. "Because of the work devoted to right-sizing the budget, MNsure will not seek any funding from the Legislature for 2015."

This proposed budget is consumer-focused, investing in areas that help Minnesotans gain access to affordable health care coverage. A majority of the 2015 budget will go to making customer service and technology improvements. The review process for a lead vendor on this project is still underway.

In other business, Leitz updated the board on MNsure's "March to Enroll" initiative, a statewide effort to connect Minnesotans who need to enroll in comprehensive, affordable health insurance plans with in-person assisters. More than 850 enrollment opportunities are planned across the state. He also cited this week's launch of "20 Days, 20 Stories," an awareness campaign highlighting real stories of Minnesotans who have had positive results with MNsure.

Board members were also updated on the MNsure Contact Center. Since the addition of 100 vendor-supplied support staff, wait times for callers have averaged less than 60 seconds.

"We're confident that we have the staff in place to make the consumer experience much better as we push toward the March 31 deadline," said Leitz.