FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. -With only three weeks until the start of the upcoming open enrollment period, Minnesotans are encouraged to make a plan to shop again on MNsure to ensure they are getting the most comprehensive health coverage for the best price. MNsure's open enrollment period for 2015 coverage beginning January 1, 2015, starts on November 15, 2014.

To guarantee every Minnesotan secures the financial help they are eligible for, consumers who enrolled in private insurance plans through MNsure in 2014 are urged to return to MNsure to shop for their coverage for 2015. Only through the MNsure marketplace will consumers be able to shop, compare and find out if they qualify for financial help. Even if they didn't qualify in 2014, many people will qualify for financial help in 2015. Open enrollment for all Minnesotans-including those who need to renew their coverage-begins November 15. Members of federally recognized Indian tribes and participants in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) can enroll for health coverage through MNsure year-round.

"Starting November 15, Minnesotans who want to renew their private insurance coverage through MNsure will need to come back through the MNsure marketplace to shop and compare plans in order to find the most affordable option for themselves and their families," said MNsure CEO Scott Leitz. "Taking this proactive step to renew coverage empowers the consumer to get comprehensive coverage and to save money."

As part of the ramp-up to November 15, MNsure will unveil more user-friendly web pages on November 5 to make finding information simpler, including navigation of the online assister directory. The website refresh also will include a new homepage design, improved navigation and new typography to make scanning and reading content easier.

Free, in-person MNsure help is available across the state, and the refreshed directory will make finding that help more straightforward. "Sitting down with someone who can answer all of your questions and walk you through the enrollment process will make enrolling easier," said Leitz. "I urge Minnesotans to contact the certified navigators or brokers in their area and get expert help."

MNsure is the only place Minnesotans can find out if they are eligible for cost savings such as tax credits, low-cost or even no-cost insurance.

Since the launch of MNsure, 362,292 Minnesotans have enrolled in quality, affordable coverage through MNsure. 55,593 are enrolled in a qualified health plan, 228,159 in Medical Assistance and 78,540 in MinnesotaCare. As of May 2014, 95 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage. Open enrollment for 2015 coverage begins November 15, 2014, and runs through February 15, 2015.