FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), together with MNsure CEO Nate Clark, said the American Rescue Plan (ARP) COVID relief package signed into law in March is increasing health insurance affordability for thousands of Minnesotans.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and health care access and affordability are important issues for Minnesotans,” said Sen. Smith. “Passing the ARP has ensured that all eligible Minnesotans can find a health plan that costs no more than 8.5% of their household income. By providing expanded tax credits to more families, we are helping more Minnesotans sign up for and maintain health care coverage at a crucial time.”

Sen. Smith, who strongly backed the ARP, said it represents a historic investment in Minnesota’s families and well-being by reducing the cost of monthly premiums for health insurance and expanding eligibility for these benefits to more middle-income Minnesotans. The benefits are available to Minnesotans who enroll in private health insurance through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.

“In 2021, the ARP helped drive down premiums by an additional $161 per month, on average, on top of what families enrolled through MNsure were already saving, and some Minnesotans will see even bigger savings on health plans for 2022," said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “Since larger tax credits are available and more families are eligible to receive them, this is the best year yet for all Minnesotans to check their options with MNsure during open enrollment and see how much they can save.”

Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive private health and dental coverage through MNsure. This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment period began on November 1 and will run until January 15, 2022. To ensure a full year of coverage starting January 1, 2022, Minnesotans must enroll by December 15, 2021. Minnesotans have until January 15, 2022, the last day of open enrollment, to sign up for coverage starting February 1, 2022.

MNsure’s statewide network of certified brokers and navigators are ready and able to assist Minnesotans during open enrollment. Minnesotans can access this help – completely free of cost – through virtual meetings, phone appointments or in-person meetings. Appointments will fill quickly, so MNsure encourages Minnesotans to /help/find-assister/index.jspfind an assister near them and schedule a free help session right away.

Minnesotans also can contact MNsure representatives directly at 651-539-2099 or 855-366-7873. More information about /help/contact-us/index.jspMNsure’s Contact Center is available on the MNsure website.

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.