FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator
jenni.bowring-mcdonough@state.mn.us
651.539.1976

ST. PAUL, Minn.-With open enrollment well underway, MNsure is emphasizing the importance of working with free, in-person assistance from a MNsure-certified navigator or broker during "Assister Week."

"We know health insurance can be a complicated topic, and sometimes you need someone to help explain all your options," said MNsure CEO Scott Leitz. "Our certified navigators and brokers provide an invaluable service to the people of Minnesota. We want all Minnesotans to know about the resources available to them, free of charge."

In an effort to highlight these free, in-person enrollment opportunities, MNsure is launching three improved tools that will make it easier for Minnesotans to find help in their area.

Searchable Assister Directory
The assister directory, easily found on the MNsure.org homepage, is a list of all MNsure assisters ready to help new clients enroll in health insurance coverage for 2015. These assisters may be navigators or licensed insurance brokers. Navigators are individuals from trusted organizations trained to provide free face-to-face application and enrollment assistance. A licensed agent or broker can go one step further and provide assistance and advice to help you select an insurance plan. The directory is searchable by county, city, zip code and spoken language.

New Enrollment Events Calendar
MNsure launched a new, easy to navigate enrollment calendar late last week. The calendar is found on the MNsure.org homepage and is searchable by date, region, zip code and event type. MNsure-certified navigators and brokers can submit new enrollment events through the online calculator in real time, meaning the calendar is always up-to-date with enrollment opportunities across the state.

Pop-up "Enrollment Centers"
MNsure has partnered with six health insurance agencies and navigator organizations across the state to offer collaborative enrollment assistance. MNsure-certified agents and navigators will work together to answer questions, recommend plan selection and help complete enrollment. Whether you qualify for a public health care program or a private insurance plan, Minnesotans can schedule an appointment or request walk-in hours at one of these enrollment centers listed below.

Le Clair Group
6701 Upper Afton Rd
Woodbury, MN 55125
P: 651-739-2010

AdvisorNet Financial
329 North Main, Suite 104-L
Austin, MN 55912
P: 507-434-2299

Hal Tiffany Agency, Inc.
2573 Hamline Ave. No.
Roseville, MN 55113
P: 651-484-4002

Legacy Benefit Consultants
110 S. Vine St.
Waconia, MN 55387
P: 952-922-5677

Health Insurance Services, Inc.
1604 South 1st Street
Willmar, MN 56201
P: 320-235-2500

NFA/Nyquist Fantastic Alliance
1325 American Blvd East, Suite 5A
Bloomington, MN 55425
P: 952-854-4596

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.