FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Today, MNsure announced they are closer to meeting or exceeding the goal of enrolling 135,000 Minnesotans in comprehensive, affordable health insurance coverage through the state's health insurance marketplace. As of today, more than 130,000 Minnesotans have enrolled through MNsure.

"We are delighted to see the increase in enrollments, and we continue the push to get as many Minnesotans enrolled in health insurance as possible before March 31," said interim CEO Scott Leitz. "The efforts we're making to reach young adults and all Minnesotans across the state are laser-focused on helping consumers secure comprehensive, affordable health coverage."

MNsure announced earlier this week their initiative to target "Young Invincibles" as part of the "March to Enroll" campaign. This grassroots campaign includes more than 1,000 enrollment opportunities throughout Minnesota at locations like college campuses, public libraries, pubs and breweries.

To date, MNsure has enrolled 35,610 in a qualified health plan, 26,297 in MinnesotaCare and 69,570 in Medical Assistance.

Monday, March 31, is the final deadline to make plan selection and payment for coverage starting May 1, 2014. This is the last day to enroll in health insurance inside or outside of MNsure for coverage in 2014. Consumers who do not enroll in coverage by March 31 may also have to pay a tax penalty. The next open enrollment period begins on November 15, 2014.

This deadline does not apply to Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare recipients or participants in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

All plans sold through MNsure cover important benefits such as preventive care, doctors' visits, hospitalizations, prescriptions, ER services, maternity care and more. Minnesotans with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied, and there are no lifetime limits on coverage. Financial assistance is available to help pay monthly insurance premiums. A single individual earning up to $45,960/year, or a family of four earning up to $94,200/year could qualify.