FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, Minn.—You’ve completed your final exams, ordered your cap and gown, and are looking forward to receiving the diploma you’ve worked so hard to earn. Maybe you even have some job interviews lined up. But do you have a plan for maintaining health insurance after graduation?

"Graduating from college is an exciting—but sometimes uncertain—time in your life," said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. "Luckily you don’t need to be uncertain about how to maintain health insurance coverage after graduation. With free help from MNsure, you can find health insurance to fit your needs and your budget, so you can avoid a gap in coverage and focus on the exciting things ahead."

Here are three ways you can stay covered after graduation:

1. Get coverage through your employer

Most Minnesotans get their health insurance through their employer. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new job or have a gig already lined up, now is the time to seek out information about potential benefits and the health coverage that might be available to you through your workplace.

2. Find coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace

If you’re self-employed or your employer doesn’t offer health coverage, you may be eligible to purchase a private plan through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. All MNsure plans are guaranteed to cover the /shop-compare/about-plans/esb/index.jsp10 essential health benefits, including mental health services, prescription drugs and preventive care.

Also, MNsure is the only place you can access financial benefits like tax credits that lower the cost of your monthly premium. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for savings. If you meet income requirements or have a disability, you may even qualify for low- or no- cost health insurance through /financial-help/ma-mncare/index.jspMedical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. See how much you can save by using MNsure’s /shop-compare/index.jspplan comparison tool or by checking the /financial-help/income-guidelines/index.jspincome guidelines.

Free help is always available through MNsure’s statewide network of health insurance experts who can answer your questions and help you fill out an application. Check out the /help/find-assister/find-assister.jspAssister Directory to find a MNsure-certified broker or navigator in your community or an upcoming enrollment event near you.

3. Stay on your parent’s insurance

Don’t forget: thanks to the Affordable Care Act, young adults can stay on a parent’s plan until they turn 26. If you’re already covered under a parent’s plan, depending on your age, you might not need to find new health insurance yet. But it’s still a good idea to do your research and know the options for when your 26th birthday rolls around!

"No matter what path you're on after graduation, don't make the mistake of assuming that health coverage is too expensive," added Clark. "The 2021 federal American Rescue Plan relief package expanded eligibility for tax credits and lowered costs for tens of thousands of Minnesotans who purchase health insurance through MNsure." Get started by visiting MNsure.org today.

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.