Background Studies FAQ

Minnesota Statute 62V.05 Subd. 4a requires MNsure to initiate a background study for each navigator, in-person assister and certification application counselor seeking certification.

As of March 2023, MNsure is using the NETStudy 2.0 system operated by the Department of Human Services to perform background studies. NETStudy 2.0 requires background study subjects to be fingerprinted and photographed. 

The individual will need to follow the steps for completing a background study for MNsure. If the individual has provided their Social Security number for a prior study through NETStudy 2.0 and they provide their Social Security number for the MNsure study, the system will automatically determine whether a new fingerprinting and photograph appointment is required. 

The applicant’s authorized agency contact should go to the individual’s staff record in AMP to view the background study documents and ensure they were uploaded successfully, the consent form was signed by the individual, a valid form of identification was provided, and all documents are legible.

The Background Study Process for Certifying Staff Tip Sheet (PDF) provides information on which forms of identification are valid.

The authorized agency contact steps for uploading and viewing documents are located on the Upload Background Study Documents page.

MNsure is required to validate that the information submitted by the individual through the NETStudy Applicant Data Portal exactly matches the information on the Background Study Consent Form and the form of identification provided to MNsure.

Per Minnesota Statute 245C.05, Subd. 1, MNsure is required to verify:

• The individual's first, middle and last name and all other names by which the individual has been known
• Current home address, city, state and zip code
• Sex
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number or state identification number
• The state of residence for the past five years

Remember that the individual must use the same form of identification for all parts of the background study. For example, the individual cannot provide a driver's license to MNsure and use a passport for their fingerprinting and photograph appointment.

The individual requesting the background study will need to work with the authorized agency contact to review the data provided to MNsure and what was entered in the NETStudy Applicant Data Portal to identify and correct any inconsistencies. After issues have been resolved, please notify MNsure by email (do not call) at navigators@mnsure.org so we can proceed with initiating the background study.

After MNsure has initiated a background study, the individual will receive an email from IDEMIA/IdentoGO with the information needed to schedule their appointment. Fingerprint and photo service locations are provided by the “look-up” tool provided as part of the pre-enrollment process for the appointment.

If an individual selects to be fingerprinted at an IdentoGo location outside of the state of MN, they will be required to pay an out of state fingerprinting fee of  $39.95 at the time of their fingerprinting appointment. MNsure does not reimburse for this fee.  

If the deadline has not passed and the applicant cannot complete their fingerprinting and photograph appointment before the assigned deadline due to an unforeseen emergency, the individual or their authorized agency contact should email (do not call) navigators@mnsure.org as soon as possible with the name of the individual, an explanation of the nature of the unforeseen circumstances, and when the individual would be able to complete the fingerprinting appointment. In limited circumstances, MNsure may be able to request an extension. If an extension cannot be granted, the individual will be responsible for all costs incurred for resubmitting the study (currently $44 for the background study and $10.50 for the fingerprinting appointment).

Once MNsure initiates a study in NETStudy 2.0, the subject has 14 days to be fingerprinted. The individual will receive an email from IDEMIA/IdentoGO with instructions for setting up the appointment and from MNsure confirming the deadline for completing the fingerprinting. If an individual fails to get fingerprinted by the due date given and the study request expires, any additional studies will be the financial responsibility of the staff/agency. Currently, the cost is $44 for the background study and $10.50 for the fingerprinting appointment.

MNsure will notify the individual by email with directions for requesting a new background study and paying for it.

Study subjects/applicants will be sent a notification in the mail. The notification will list the reasons for the potential disqualification and include information on how to request a set-aside (appeal). Certain documents, such as disqualification notices, are not available online at this time.