FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In an effort to raise awareness about the benefits available to service industry employees through MNsure, the organization is launching targeted outreach to this population during "Bar, Restaurant and Hospitality Week," February 1 - 7.

"Recent statistics show as many as 20 percent of service and hospitality industry employees are uninsured," said CEO Scott Leitz. "We want to make sure MNsure is doing its part to bring that statistic down."

MNsure will have certified in-person assisters available in bars and restaurants statewide for employees, and members of the public, to come learn more about the benefits of MNsure. These efforts coincide with a MNsure kiosk at the Mall of America, staffed by MNsure-certified brokers and navigators, to help employees learn about the health insurance benefits available to them.

"The time to sign up for health insurance coverage is rapidly coming to an end," said Leitz. "Now is the time for people to check out their options before open enrollment ends on February 15."

To assist with Bar, Restaurant and Hospitality Week, MNsure is relying on the expertise of its navigator and broker partners, as well as local restaurants across the state.

"It's just an excellent feeling to know that you can help your customers and your neighbors," said Derrick Watson, barista at Diamonds Coffee Shoppe in Minneapolis. "In January we held an enrollment event at the coffee shop, and we had really good success. People were able to get their health insurance on that day. We're planning to hold more events like that in the future."

As a small business owner, it's a struggle every year to provide the best benefits for my staff while balancing the budget demands of running a restaurant dedicated to paying fair wages to our employees, fair prices to our farmers, and good value to our community," said Tracy Singleton, owner of Birchwood Cafe; in Minneapolis. "That's why I'm so grateful for MNsure and the access and opportunity it provides to employees like mine, and so many who work in the service industry - often part-time workers juggling many other responsibilities and passions in their lives."

This coming week, MNsure partners will host enrollment events geared especially toward these communities, with some offering food and drink specials for attending. For a full list of outreach and enrollment events, visit our calendar.

MNsure Outreach at Fabulous Fern's Bar and Grill
400 Selby Avenue, St. Paul
Sunday, February 1, 8 - 11 p.m.

MNsure Outreach at CC Club
2600 Lyndale Avenue S, Minneapolis
Sunday, February 1, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Sunrise Plaza Market
Hmong Village, 1001 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul
Monday, February 2, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

MNsure Outreach at Rounders Sports Bar and Grill
414 South Front Street, Mankato
Monday, February 2, 4 - 6 p.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Bryant Lake Bowl
810 W Lake Street, Minneapolis
Tuesday, February 3, 5 - 7 p.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Hmong Village
1001 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul
Tuesday, February 3, noon - 4 p.m.

MNsure Outreach at Central Perk
906 West Saint Germain Street, St. Cloud
Tuesday, February 3, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

MNsure Outreach at Truffles and Tortes Dessert Cafe
206 East Main Street, Anoka
Wednesday, February 4, 9 - 10 a.m.

MNsure Outreach at Rudi's Pizza
710 East Howard Street, Hibbing
Thursday, February 5, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Black Sheep Coffee Cafe
705 Southview Blvd, South St. Paul
Friday, February 6, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Hmongtown Marketplace
995 University Avenue W, Suite 100, St. Paul
Friday, February 6, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Caffetto Coffee House
708 West 22nd Street, Minneapolis
Friday, February 6, noon - 4 p.m.

MNsure Enrollment at Diamonds Coffee Shoppe
1618 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis
Saturday, February 7, noon - 4 p.m.

Open enrollment for 2015 coverage began November 15, 2014, and ends February 15, 2015. 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.