FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Citing marked improvement in enrollment numbers, the performance of the online marketplace and overall organizational transparency, MNsure's board of directors today announced their decision to name Scott Leitz as MNsure's chief executive officer. Leitz has served as interim CEO since December 17, 2013.

The board made the decision official at their meeting on Wednesday, April 30.

"I am pleased to announce that Scott will continue to lead MNsure," said MNsure Board Chair Brian Beutner. "Scott came on board during a time of upheaval, took action and delivered results. He has insisted upon greater transparency, accountability and delivery of real improvements - the result of which has been more than 206,000 Minnesotans enrolling in coverage."

"Removing the 'interim' tag will help provide stability to the organization as it continues to mature and deliver on the next stages in its growth and development," Beutner added. "MNsure exists to help underinsured and uninsured Minnesotans find and enroll in quality, affordable coverage, and with Scott's leadership, our mission continues to become reality for thousands."

Since arriving at MNsure, Leitz has worked to improve the MNsure experience for all Minnesotans. Leitz's first major project was commissioning an independent, end-to-end review of MNsure by Optum, a division of United Health Group. Applying findings from that review, Leitz immediately added resources to support the MNsure Contact Center through the critical March 31 deadline, and most recently worked to bring on Deloitte Consulting, LLP to oversee project management.

Leitz has worked diligently to make enrollment easier for Minnesotans. He initiated MNsure's "March to Enroll" campaign, which included efforts to reach "young invincibles" at bars, brewpubs and college campuses. This effort resulted in more than 60,000 Minnesotans enrolling in health coverage through MNsure during the month of March. MNsure also saw an increase in the number of "young invincible" enrollments. To date, about 35% of QHP enrollees are under the age of 35, a trend that is consistent with the national average.

Leitz led MNsure's marketing and advertising shift of focus to real Minnesotans who found comprehensive, affordable health insurance through the MNsure marketplace. He also ensured that Minnesotans who experienced technical issues with enrollment were given the option of completing an online Enrollment Attempt form to alert MNsure to their need for assistance. MNsure has reached out to those consumers with instructions for completing enrollment.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful to the MNsure board for their vote of confidence and support," said Leitz. "Everything that has been accomplished while I've been part of MNsure has been an absolute team effort. The MNsure staff are some of the most dedicated people I've had the good fortune to work with, and I am excited to continue our momentum. Looking ahead, my goal is to make MNsure the best that it can be for Minnesotans who need health insurance."

To date, MNsure has enrolled 50,549 Minnesotans in a qualified health plan, 42,774 in MinnesotaCare and 112,834 in Medical Assistance. The next open enrollment period begins November 15.