FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jenni Bowring-McDonough
Media Relations Coordinator

ST. PAUL, Minn. -With fewer than two weeks remaining until the start of MNsure's 2015 open enrollment, beginning on November 15, 2014, MNsure is encouraging both new and returning enrollees to prepare for the upcoming open enrollment period.

"MNsure's mission is focused on the people of Minnesota," said CEO Scott Leitz. "We want all Minnesotans to take advantage of the choice, financial help and free in-person assistance that is only available through MNsure."

The MNsure Board of Directors today heard reports on enhancements to the consumer experience, and what action Minnesotans need to take in order to get or maintain health insurance coverage in 2015.

Refreshed Homepage
MNsure made improvements to its homepage earlier this week, making it easier for consumers to find enrollment events in their neighborhood, answers to frequently asked questions and a directory of navigators and brokers.

Coordinated grassroots and media efforts
New this year, MNsure will launch targeted grassroots and media campaigns designed to motivate consumers to enroll. These efforts will include traditional TV, radio and out-of-home advertisements, as well as new digital outreach effort that will include mobile applications and a texting campaign. These campaigns are scheduled to kickoff at the beginning of open enrollment and will center around the theme, "95% of Minnesotans now have health insurance. 100% need it."

Signing Up or Renewing Coverage for 2015
Beginning November 15, Minnesotans currently enrolled in a MNsure qualified health plan will be able to use existing account log-in information to complete a new application for 2015 coverage. By completing a new application, Minnesotans renewing coverage are ensuring they will receive an updated eligibility determination with the maximum amount of financial help available. Returning consumers should notice a better performing system, making the application process easier.

Minnesotans new to MNsure will create a MNsure.org account and verify their identity before continuing to the application process.

2015 plan information will be available for review on MNsure.org starting November 15. Minnesotans can view this information without creating an account; however, an account and application must be completed to see tax credit or subsidy information.

Until Further Notice, No Action Needed by Consumers in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare
Consumers currently enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare do not have to take any action until directed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Consumers Urged to Watch Their Mailbox
Current MNsure enrollees in qualified health plans (with our without assistance) will receive a notice from MNsure in the coming days explaining the renewal process and the actions needed to maintain coverage in 2015. It is important consumers review all the information provided in this notice.

Getting Help
Thousands of MNsure-certified navigators and brokers are ready to assist Minnesotans with free, in-person enrollment help. Many navigators and brokers are currently taking appointments for the upcoming open enrollment period.

Act Soon To Secure Coverage
The MNsure 2015 open enrollment period is November 15, 2014 - February 15, 2015. In order to secure coverage for January 1, 2015, enrollment must be complete by December 15, 2014. Enrollment is available year-round for consumers eligible for MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance, members of federally recognized Indian tribes, and participants in the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

Since the launch of MNsure, 369,118 Minnesotans have enrolled in quality, affordable coverage through MNsure. 55,813 are enrolled in a qualified health plan, 233,194 in Medical Assistance and 80,111 in MinnesotaCare. As of May 2014, 95 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage.