FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Every day, thousands of Minnesotans rely on health care covered by plans purchased through MNsure, Minnesota's health insurance marketplace. During the COVID pandemic, the /learn-more/aca/arpa.jspAmerican Rescue Plan (ARP) relief package helped more Minnesotans access or maintain this critical coverage; however, the ARP benefits currently are slated to expire at the end of this year. 

Without Congressional action to extend the ARP benefits beyond 2022, over 70,000 Minnesotans will pay more for health insurance in 2023 and may choose to drop coverage because they can no longer afford it. Minnesotans nearing retirement age will be most affected, as MNsure estimates over 32,000 Minnesotans ages 55-64 will see premium cost increases – more than any other age group. 

"MNsure experienced record enrollment for 2022, and most MNsure enrollees are saving over $6,000 a year on average right now," said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. "But these gains in access to affordable, comprehensive coverage are at risk if Congress fails to act." 

This week, Clark traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation to highlight the importance of extending the ARP benefits past the end of 2022. While in D.C., Clark met with Senator Tina Smith and staff from the offices of Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Angie Craig, Representative Betty McCollum, Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Tom Emmer and Representative Michelle Fischbach. 

"The ARP made an enormous difference for Minnesota's families, especially for the nearly 10,500 middle-income Minnesotans who were not eligible for this type of relief in previous years and now stand to lose access to all of their current financial help," added Clark. "Our hope is that Congress will act immediately to extend these benefits beyond the end of 2022 and provide certainty to the thousands of Minnesotans using these expanded benefits to access and maintain the health coverage they need."

Nearly 60% of MNsure enrollees receive tax credits that lower the cost of monthly premiums. The ARP legislation both increased the amount of available subsidies, making existing tax credits more generous, and expanded eligibility for tax credits to include more middle-income families. During the open enrollment period for 2022, MNsure saw record enrollment with more than 134,000 Minnesotans signing up for coverage, a 10% increase from the year prior.

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.