MNsure Announces 1-Week Special Enrollment Period

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange has announced a one-week special enrollment period.

It’s designed to give Minnesotans extra time to take advantage of a new law providing relief from rising health insurance premiums for more than 100,000 shoppers.

The current enrollment ends on January 31, but MNsure added a one-week special enrollment period that will run from February 1-8.

“A lot of folks don’t realize that unless you have a qualifying event after this extension you won’t be able to sign up for health insurance,” said Dan Strong, owner of Benes Insurance Services. “It’s an opportunity to get back in and get signed up for some coverage for the rest of the year otherwise there is a penalty if you don’t.”

The new deadline is open to all Minnesotans, but they must buy health insurance through the MNsure website.

MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole says since lawmakers approved the premium relief bill so close to the enrollment deadline, Minnesotans needed more time to benefit from the chance to lower their monthly health insurance bill by 25-percent.

The Legislature approved the bill Thursday, and Governor Mark Dayton signed it.