FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-MNsure today reminded Minnesotans who still need health insurance that the deadline to enroll into commercial coverage effective February 1 is 11:59 p.m. on January 15.

"This week's deadline is critical for those Minnesotans who did not get enrolled in December and who need health insurance starting February 1," said CEO Scott Leitz. "If you have not shopped through MNsure to see what kind of financial help you're eligible for, this is the time to do it. Only those consumers enrolling through MNsure have access to financial help to lower the costs of their premiums."

The MNsure Contact Center will be open extended hours on January 15, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The open enrollment period concludes on February 15, leaving only about five weeks from today to complete enrollment for 2015. Minnesotans eligible for MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance can enroll year-round.

Free, in-person assistance is available for consumers who need help getting questions answered and getting enrolled into coverage. More than 1,000 Minnesotans have already gotten enrolled with the help of MNsure's six walk-in enrollment centers, staffed by MNsure-certified agents/brokers and navigators, and located in Woodbury, Austin, Roseville, Waconia, Willmar and Bloomington. More information about getting in-person assistance can be found at MNsure.org.

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.