FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Shane Delaney
Lead Communications Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Certified navigators will be available to talk with Minnesotans about the benefits of MNsure at the 2015 Twin Cities Pride Festival on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. Navigators from Minnesota AIDS Project, OutFront MN, Rainbow Health Initiative and Planned Parenthood will be there to answer health insurance questions and set up future enrollment appointments.

"We know that while the overall percentage of uninsured LGBTQ people has decreased since the Affordable Care Act began, the number of uninsured LGBTQ consumers remains higher than the general population," said MNsure Interim CEO Allison O'Toole.

According to research conducted by Rainbow Health Initiative, 12 percent of LGBTQ people in Minnesota are currently uninsured. Only 5 percent of Minnesotans as a whole currently lack health insurance coverage.

"We know the great work being done by our partners at outreach events such as this will help to lower the LGBTQ uninsured rate in Minnesota," said O'Toole.

Enrollment is currently available for consumers who experience a qualifying life event, are eligible for MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance, members of federally recognized Indian tribes, and participants in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP). Event details are below.

Minnesota AIDS Project at 2015 Twin Cities Pride Festival
Dates Saturday, June 27
Location: Orange Zone, booth O015
Navigators available 1 - 4 p.m. to answer questions and schedule future enrollment appointments

OutFront Minnesota at Twin Cities Pride Festival
Dates: Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28
Location: Yellow Zone, near Formal Gardens
General MNsure information available

Rainbow Health Initiative at Twin Cities Pride Festival
Dates: Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28
Location: Orange Zone, booths O042 and O043
General MNsure information available

Planned Parenthood MN, ND, SD at Twin Cities Pride Festival
Dates: Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28
Location: Orange Zone, booth O038
General MNsure and navigator information available

The 2016 open enrollment period is scheduled to begin November 1, 2015, and end on January 31, 2016. Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year-round. As of May 2014, 95 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage--the highest percentage in state history.