Minn. Gov. Walz Issues Proclamation on Get Covered 2021 Day

ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Dec. 12 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following proclamation:

WHEREAS: COVID-19 has created a critical health crisis and caused a global economic downturn, highlighting the importance of meaningful access to health care now more than ever; and

WHEREAS: To slow the spread of COVID-19, individual and community health can be improved dramatically by covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing; and

WHEREAS: Affordable, quality health insurance coverage ensures access to care and makes a material difference in the health and well-being of the people of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010 to expand access to comprehensive coverage and establish critical consumer protections in order to lower the number of uninsured people and improve the health of individuals and communities; and

WHEREAS: MNsure is Minnesota's health insurance marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act and state law and provides access to affordable, quality coverage to Minnesotans, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic conditions; and

WHEREAS: The annual open enrollment period for health insurance is happening now, meaning any Minnesotan in need of health insurance can visit MNsure to learn more about their coverage options; and

WHEREAS: MNsure is the only place where Minnesotans can find out if they are eligible for financial assistance to help lower the cost of their monthly premiums, easily shop and compare plans, and find free help to enroll; and

WHEREAS: Over 100,000 Minnesotans sign-up for private health insurance through MNsure each year, and more than 1.2 million Minnesotans get health care through Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, many of those gaining access through MNsure's "single front door"; and

WHEREAS: There is a national movement to help address the COVID-19 pandemic by raising awareness of the everyday actions people can take to protect themselves and each other and encourage everyone who can to enroll into the security of comprehensive health care coverage.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Thursday, December 10, 2020, as:

GET COVERED 2021 DAY

in the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 16th day of November.

GOVERNOR

SECRETARY OF STATE

Filed on November 24, 2020

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, Steve Simon