Consumers have until Wednesday to purchase health insurance that begins
"Tax credits really continue to be the most important thing that people overlook," O'Toole said.
Those tax credits are especially important in
People with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for tax credits. That means individuals with an income of up to
Steady enrollment
So far, MNsure enrollments are on pace to exceed last year's sign ups. As of Thursday, 101,626 people had enrolled in qualified health plans. Last year, 103,500 had enrolled as of
This year's enrollment is the smoothest so far, according to O'Toole. The state's health insurance market has stabilized thanks to
Appointments continue to fill up at Health Access Minnesota's office in
Staffers often are faced with questions about what potential changes to the Affordable Health Care Act will mean for MNsure and the health insurance plans offered on the exchange.
Robertson said, "Almost every person asks, 'Am I still going to have this plan? If I enroll now, is this going to go away?'"
The answer is there will be no changes for 2018. Customers who buy insurance are signing a one-year contract with the health plans. As long as they continue to pay their premiums, that coverage will remain.
O'Toole said it is too soon to say whether confusion over possible federal health care changes will affect enrollment for 2018.
"Those headwinds are still strong. Time will tell if we see that play out in our numbers," she said.
The Trump administration shortened by half the enrollment period for the federal healthcare.gov exchange. It also cut the marketing budget for the federal exchange by 90 percent. MNsure's marketing budget has remained the same, and the state-based exchange is ramping up adds on TV, radio and online in the final days of open enrollment.
Don't qualify for tax credit? Expect high premiums
The customers who are in a tough position are those who make too much to qualify for a tax credit. That is especially true for residents in southeast
"Those that don't qualify for a tax credit down here have really high premiums," Robertson said.
Last legislative session, lawmakers approved a 25 percent rebate to help consumers who didn't qualify for a tax credit with the cost of health insurance. That rebate will not be in effect for 2018. Once people exceed the income threshold for a tax credit, they won't be eligible for any financial help.
Robertson added, "It can literally be a
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MNsure enrollment basics
-- Wednesday is the deadline for consumers to purchase private health insurance through MNsure for coverage beginning
-- Consumers have through
-- People eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll via MNsure throughout the year.
Need help enrolling?
MNsure contact center: 855-366-7873
Assisters from Health Access MN will be at the
Walk-in assistance is available at Olmsted County Family Support & Assistance,
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