MNsure marketplace is open

MNsure, Minnesota’s new, online, one-stop health insurance marketplace where Minnesotans can compare and choose coverage from multiple insurance companies, opened on October 1.  Minnesotans can go to the site to see if they qualify for low-cost or free insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. 

October through March of 2014 is an open enrollment period for families, individuals and small companies to find and purchase insurance coverage on MNsure.  Depending on their income, some Minnesotans will be eligible for Advanced Premium Tax Credits to help them afford insurance coverage. Policies purchased through the exchange in 2013 will become effective January 1, 2014.

Low-income Minnesotans who may be eligible for free and low-cost health care coverage through Minnesota’s public health care programs – Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare – can also use MNsure to apply for coverage.  However, if they need coverage to start immediately, they need to indicate this on the application or coverage will not become effective until January 2014.  Additional paperwork will be required for immediate coverage. The traditional Minnesota Health Care Programs Application form or the online application found at ApplyMN can also be used to apply for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare from now through the end of the year.