FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesotans who must pay the tax penalty for not having 2014 health care coverage, and who did not enroll in 2015 health care coverage during the most recent open enrollment period, can still enroll into coverage for 2015 during MNsure's recently announced special enrollment period. Getting enrolled during this special enrollment period will substantially decrease the amount of a 2015 tax penalty they may have to pay, depending on when they complete enrollment.

Minnesotans who did not enroll into 2014 health care coverage will still be responsible for the 2014 tax penalty, but this special enrollment period will help minimize 2015 tax penalties for those who enroll.

"We realize that some consumers are subject to a tax penalty due to either a gap in or lack of 2014 coverage," said CEO Scott Leitz. "The penalty for 2015 is significantly higher, so to help Minnesotans reduce the amount they have to pay for missing the February 15 enrollment deadline, we've created this special enrollment period."

This special enrollment period began on March 1 and ends on April 30, 2015.

To take advantage of this special enrollment period, consumers must complete the online application and enroll at MNsure.org. Upon completion, eligible consumers must contact the MNsure Contact Center, where they will need to attest to their eligibility for this special enrollment period. More information about this process is located at MNsure.org under Special Enrollment.

Coverage would begin on April 1 for consumers who are eligible and complete enrollment by March 15. Coverage would begin on May 1 for consumers who complete enrollment by April 15, and coverage would begin on June 1 for consumers who complete enrollment by April 30.

Any consumer with questions should call the MNsure Contact Center. The Contact Center (855-366-7873) is now open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This special enrollment period does not apply to those consumers who already purchased 2015 coverage.

Open enrollment for 2015 coverage began November 15, 2014, and ended 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. The 2016 open enrollment period is scheduled to begin November 1, 2015, and end on January 31, 2016.