FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesotans who want health coverage beginning March 1 have until Saturday, February 15, at 5 p.m. to enroll in health plans through MNsure. With the February 15 deadline fast approaching, MNsure today addressed some frequently asked questions to help Minnesota consumers more quickly and efficiently complete the enrollment process.

Q: What is the deadline for enrolling through MNsure if I want health insurance starting March 1?

A: Individuals using MNsure to find new coverage effective March 1, 2014, must enroll on or before Saturday, February 15, 2014.

Q: What is my deadline for payment if I want to pay online?

A: Consumers using the MNsure online payment option must make their payment by 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on Saturday, February 15.

Q: What is my deadline for making the initial payment if I want to pay by check?

A: Paying online is typically the best option for those shopping for new health insurance on MNsure. However, if you choose not to pay MNsure and select to pay the carrier directly, you should send payment directly to your selected insurance company and ensure it arrives by February 15 to have coverage begin March 1. If you received a MNsure invoice for your first payment and did not select to pay the carrier directly, that payment must be received by MNsure (PO Box 64832; St. Paul, MN 55164-0832) on or before February 15.

Q: What is my deadline for payment if I want to pay in person?

A: In-person payment can take place at the Department of Human Services Walk-In Center located on the first floor at 540 Cedar Street, St. Paul. The deadline for this payment option is 6 p.m. on Friday, February 14. Consumers who wish to use this payment option must enroll in their plan and have received an invoice from MNsure to pay in person by this date. The DHS Walk-In Center will not be open on Saturday, February 15. If you have an invoice from your insurance company or chose to pay the insurance company we cannot accept payment at MNsure.

For those who wish to pay in person at their insurance company's main office, the deadline for this payment option is 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 14. Consumers who wish to use this payment option must enroll in their plan online through MNsure and then pay in person by this date. Health insurance company main offices will not be open Saturday, February 15.

Q: What are the deadlines for those who qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare?

A: The February 15 deadline does not apply to Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. For Medical Assistance, individuals will be covered for the entire month in which they apply. For MinnesotaCare, individuals will have until February 28 to apply for coverage effective March 1.

Premium invoices for MinnesotaCare will be sent starting the week of February 10, 2014.

• Watch your mail after February 10, 2014, for a bill for your March premium. The payment due date will be February 28, 2014, for your March coverage.
• Do not send any payments until you get a bill.
• You will still have coverage for March if you do not get your bill or are not able to mail your payment by February 28, however you are still responsible to pay this bill.
• You will get a separate bill for January and February premiums. Do not include payment for January and February with your payment for March.

Visit the MinnesotaCare Premiums website or call MinnesotaCare at 651-431-2800 or 1-800-657-3672 for more information about premiums.