Individuals enrolling in health coverage through Minnesota's exchange, MNsure, received a one-week special enrollment period ahead of Tuesday's deadline in light of a new state law providing premium assistance to eligible residents.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (DFL) signed a $326 million health plan premium relief bill after the measure was approved by the majority of the state's legislature last Thursday, with five days of open enrollment remaining. Roughly 125,000 Minnesota residents who purchased ACA health plans without subsidy eligibility face premium increases of 50 percent or higher this year. The new legislation will provide a 25 percent premium reduction for individuals earning between $35,640 and $95,040 annually and families of four earning between $72,900 and $194,400 annually.
MNsure's special enrollment period will run from Feb. 1 through Feb. 8., and is open to all residents who purchase coverage through the MNsure website. The previous deadline was Jan. 31. Minnesota residents purchasing on-exchange health plans before the Feb. 8 deadline will be covered, effective March 1.
Since MNsure is a state-based exchange, it has the authority to issue a special enrollment period under exceptional circumstances.