FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesotans who want health coverage beginning January 1, 2015, have until Monday, December 15, at 11:59 p.m. to enroll in health plans through MNsure. With the December 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 January 1, 2015?
A: Individuals using MNsure to find new coverage or to renew coverage effective January 1, 2015, must enroll on or before Monday, December 15, 2014.

Q: There are 11 days between today and December 15. Can't I wait until December 15 to enroll?
A: Yes, but you shouldn't. We know that many people wait until the deadline to complete enrollment, which can make the process lengthy, especially if you need to call us with questions (wait times in the contact center will likely go up significantly as deadlines approach). MNsure strongly urges consumers not to wait until the last minute to enroll. Enrollments that have not been completed by 11:59 p.m. on December 15 will not be processed for January 1 coverage. Beat the crowds-enroll today!

Q: If I wait until December 15 to enroll, how long will I have to wait for my insurance card to arrive from my health insurance company?
A: To ensure that consumers receive insurance materials by January 1, it is important that they enroll as soon as possible. Remember, for coverage starting January 1, you have to enroll by December 15.

Q: How do I pay my premium once I've enrolled in a plan?
A: Consumers must pay their health insurance company directly. Consumers who enroll in commercial coverage will receive an invoice from their health insurance company.

Q: Will the MNsure Contact Center be open extended hours leading up to December 15?
A: Because we expect call volume to be high as we approach the December 15 deadline, MNsure's Contact Center will be open extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 13, and Sunday, December 14; and from 8 a.m. - midnight Monday, December 15. If you have questions about the enrollment process, we strongly recommend you reach out to a navigator or broker to discuss your options. You can search our easy-to-use assister directory by going to mnsure.org and type keyword: assister. To talk with a MNsure representative about enrollment, call 1-855-366-7873 (855-3MNSURE).

Q: Where can I find in-person help? Does it cost anything to get in-person help?
A: In-person help from a MNsure-certified navigator or broker is available free of charge. In addition to six walk-in enrollment centers, MNsure-certified navigators and brokers can be found throughout the state. The online directory is available via the MNsure homepage and at this link.

Q: What are the deadlines for those applying for health care who may qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare?
A: The December 15 deadline does not apply to people who are eligible for or currently enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. For Medical Assistance, eligible individuals will be covered for the entire month in which they apply. For MinnesotaCare, individuals will have until December 31 to apply for coverage effective January 1.