FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. PAUL, Minn. — More Minnesotans turned to MNsure for help finding private health insurance plans, even though fewer enrolled in those plans due to the loss of enhanced tax credits and resulting higher premiums.

Enrollment in private health insurance plans fell by 8% during MNsure’s recent annual open enrollment period. At the end of open enrollment on January 15, there were 139,251 Minnesotans enrolled in 2026 coverage through MNsure compared to 151,512 last year.

“MNsure worked hard to help Minnesotans find affordable coverage this year,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum, “but because Congress allowed the enhanced savings to expire, we heard from many consumers who felt priced out of the marketplace.”

MNsure logged 162,211 private health plan “sign-ups," a 3% drop from last year, which includes passively enrolled consumers and those who terminated or canceled their plans. Final figures are likely to change over the spring as consumers confirm their coverage as first premiums come due.

Consumers searched for cheaper options

A record-setting number of Minnesotans contacted MNsure to navigate the changes in premiums. Calls to MNsure’s help line topped 165,000 — an increase of more than 29% over last year. Traffic to MNsure.org was record-setting with big increases in clicks on links to learn more about “Financial Help” and how to connect to free help from a MNsure-certified assister.

Consumers also reached out to MNsure’s certified assisters, brokers, and navigators for help to find cheaper options in the face of rising premiums. MNsure saw an 87% increase in the number of enrollees who switched health insurance plans this year. Most of those who made a change went with a lower-cost option.

“Minnesotans deserve the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance,” Caulum said. “I am extraordinarily proud of our work, together with our broker, navigator, and certified application counselor partners, to help as many Minnesotans as possible find a coverage option that works for them this year.”

Minnesotans who don’t have health insurance and missed the January 15 deadline to enroll in 2026 coverage may still have opportunities to get covered. Minnesotans who experience a major life event (such as getting married, having a baby, or losing employer-sponsored insurance) may be eligible to shop for coverage through MNsure outside of the open enrollment period.

The January 15 deadline did not apply to residents who qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, or members of federally recognized tribes, who can enroll in health insurance through MNsure any time of year.

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