MNsure adds week to enrollment period

Jan. 28--More Minnesotans may be able to take advantage of a recently passed discount on health insurance premiums purchased through MNsure.

MNsure has added a one-week, special enrollment period to allow people additional time to purchase health insurance through the exchange. Enrollment was set to end Tuesday, but will remain open until Feb. 8.

The extension will allow people to take advantage of $312 million allotted to provide discounts on insurance premiums for people who do not already qualify for a subsidy.

The legislation, signed Thursday, aims to help 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant premium increases in the individual market.

Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans said Friday eligible residents will see an average of $150 in savings monthly. And the discounts will be automatic starting in April for anyone who buys health insurance.

Health plans will also reimburse shoppers for the higher costs in previous months.

The discount is open to all Minnesotans, but they must purchase insurance through the MNsure website. Insurance purchased in the special enrollment period is effective March 1. The 25 percent discount will be applied automatically by health insurance companies and does not require additional action by buyers.

Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year round. As of February 2016, 96 percent of Minnesotans have health coverage, the highest percentage in state history.

Governor Mark Dayton had previously requested an extension of the enrollment period from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but was denied. Last week, he asked the department to reconsider and that request is still pending.

For more information, visit www.mnsure.org/shop-compare/premium-rebates/index.jsp.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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