FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, Minn.—MNsure's open enrollment period starts November 1. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers to help make sure you are ready to enroll in comprehensive health insurance and get all the financial benefits you qualify for:

1. Can I get help with the application process?

MNsure has a network of assisters ready to help you get enrolled. MNsure-certified brokers and navigators provide free enrollment help through virtual meetings, phone appointments or in-person meetings that follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.

/help/find-assister/find-navigator.jspMNsure-certified navigators are trained experts at local, trusted community organizations and can help you fill out your application and enroll in coverage. They can also help with coverage renewals, report changes to your account and provide enrollment follow-up.

/help/find-assister/find-broker.jspMNsure-certified brokers help you understand your coverage options and can give you advice about picking an insurance plan that best meets your needs.

Don’t wait to make an appointment. Connect with a broker or navigator in your area as soon as possible for help during the open enrollment period. /help/find-assister/index.jspFind the option that works for you at MNsure.org/help/.

For general questions, you can also reach out to MNsure's Contact Center: 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities). Expanded hours begin November 1.

2. Can I get financial assistance to help cover the cost of my insurance?

Yes, most Minnesotans qualify for /financial-help/index.jspfinancial help. You may qualify for a tax credit, cost-sharing reductions, or for no-cost or low-cost coverage under /financial-help/ma-mncare/index.jspMedical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. A single person earning $51,040 a year, or a family of four earning up to $104,800 a year may qualify for help.

"MNsure is the only place where Minnesotans can access financial benefits to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums," said Nate Clark, MNsure CEO. “Most Minnesotans think they won’t qualify for financial help, but most do. In 2020, the average yearly tax credit was over $5,000."

Minnesotans can get an estimate of their eligibility for financial help by using the MNsure plan comparison tool.

3. I currently have a plan through MNsure. Will I be automatically renewed into the same plan or can I choose a new plan?

As long as the plan is still offered by the insurance company, current 2020 enrollees will be renewed into the same plan. /current-customers/renew-change/renew-private/plan-crosswalk.jspYou can verify your plan is still available.

You should get your /current-customers/manage-account/notices/annual-eligibility.jspannual eligibility renewal notices in the mail in mid-October (it may already be available in /current-customers/manage-account/notices/view-notices.jspyour online account). This notice includes updated eligibility for enrolling in the coming year, and updated eligibility for tax credits for those who applied.

Even if your current plan is still available, it’s always a good idea to make sure it’s still the best one for you and your family. This year, MNsure is offering over 150 health insurance plans to choose from. Use MNsure plan comparison tool. to get updated estimates on premium costs, deductibles and more. Change your plan by /acct-access/sign-in-check.jsplogging in to your account starting November 1.

4. I have lost (or will lose) my health insurance through my employer; do I have to wait until open enrollment to get coverage through MNsure?

If you have recently lost, or will lose your employer-sponsored health insurance, you may qualify for a /new-customers/enrollment-deadlines/special-enrollment/index.jspspecial enrollment period (SEP) to enroll in a plan through MNsure before the end of the year. This SEP is available year-round to qualifying individuals. To enroll, you must contact MNsure and pick a plan within 60 days of losing employer coverage. To avoid a gap in coverage, you can contact MNsure up to 60 days in advance of your employer’s plan ending to begin the enrollment process.

Additional /new-customers/enrollment-deadlines/special-enrollment/sep-le/index.jspqualifying life events, such as getting married or having a baby, may also make you eligible for a SEP.

5. I need to update my household information; how do I do that?

Outdated or incorrect information – including things like where you live or how much income you are making – could affect your eligibility to enroll in coverage or for financial help. To report changes, /current-customers/manage-account/report-change/private/index.jspgather the information needed for the change, then call 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities). You should report these changes as soon as possible.

Those enrolled in Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare should contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.