MNsure Finalizes Partnerships For Broker Enrollment Center Initiative

Seventeen different health insurance agencies located across Minnesota will serve as MNsure broker enrollment centers during the 2017 open enrollment period, MNsure announced today.

The selected agencies will provide and staff convenient walk-in sites for residents of surrounding communities. Face-to-face assistance from MNsure certified brokers and navigators will be available. Selected sites will combine marketing efforts to encourage Minnesotans to visit the walk-in sites throughout the open enrollment period, November 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017.

"MNsure-certified brokers are able to offer their knowledge and expertise to Minnesotans free of charge," said CEO Allison O'Toole. "We know that shopping for health insurance can be a complicated process and that in-person help really makes a difference for Minnesotans. We saw great success with the broker enrollment centers in the last two years, and we're looking to build on that success."

The MNsure broker enrollment centers are highlighted on MNsure.org. The agencies operate 22 walk-in locations across the state that include: AdvisorNet Financial, Austin; Alexander & Haberman Agency LLC, Bloomington, Coon Rapids and Eagan; Allen Zutz, Bemidji; American Senior Benefits, Maple Grove; Benes Insurance Services, Duluth; Breitenfeldt Group, Maple Grove, Roseville and Waite Park; Health Insurance Services, Inc., Wilmar; Jenifer Ivanca Insurance, Chisholm; LeClair Group, Woodbury; Legacy Benefit Consultants, Waconia; The Longtin Agency, Inc., Crookston; Nisswa Insurance, Nisswa; Nyquist Fantastic Alliance/NFA, Bloomington; RG Insurance, Baxter; Sjoberg & Holmstrom, LLC, Mora; Tonka Financial Services, Minnetonka; and United Prairie Insurance Agency, Mankato and New Ulm.

"Free support from brokers, licensed insurance professionals certified by MNsure, is available," said Bob Davy, broker coordinator, who oversees the broker enrollment center program. "Many people have a negative perception of the insurance industry and brokers. However, MNsure-certified brokers can help Minnesotans find an insurance plan that best fits their needs."

During the 2016 open enrollment period, 20 broker enrollment centers enrolled more than 4,200 Minnesotans into private health insurance plans through MNsure. Each of these agencies saw their 2016 MNsure enrollments grow by as much as 15 times over their 2015 MNsure enrollments. Along with the broker enrollment center program, MNsure has about 1,000 certified brokers across the state who can assist with enrollment through the MNsure marketplace.

The 2017 open enrollment period begins November 1, 2016, and ends on January 31, 2017. Small group employers and 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.