2/9/2017 1:46:30 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today, Minnesota set a new enrollment record, with a total of 117,654 enrollments in the individual marketplace during the 2017 open enrollment period and subsequent one-week special enrollment period. Approximately 47 percent of MNsure’s private plan enrollees are new to the exchange for 2017.
About 64 percent of MNsure enrollees are receiving tax credits, which averages about $621 per month, or $7,457 per year.
“We are enrolling people at historically high levels,” said MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole. "When more Minnesotans are covered, our state is healthier and our economy is stronger."
Additionally, Minnesota also set a record for public program enrollments during open enrollment with 33,369 Minnesotans newly enrolled in MinnesotaCare and 114,511 newly enrolled in Medical Assistance.
Special Enrollment Period + Premium Relief Bill
At the end of January, Minnesota lawmakers pass a premium relief bill that provides an automatic 25 percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans who faced significant premium increases in the individual market. In response, MNsure announced a one-week special enrollment period to give Minnesotans more time to enroll into coverage.
"Minnesota has the highest rate of health coverage in state history, said O'Toole. "We have one of the best rates in the nation—with 96% of Minnesotans protected from crushing medical bills and ailments. Let's not take Minnesotans backwards."
By the Numbers:
The 2017 open enrollment period began on November 1, 2016, and ended on January 31, 2017. Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year round. As of February 2016, 96 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage—the highest percentage in state history.