Minnesota’s state-based exchange, MNsure, announced a special enrollment period (SEP), through Oct. 31, to increase access to subsidized health coverage for those with employer-sponsored coverage.
To qualify, an individual must be enrolled in family insurance through an employer that is deemed unaffordable and has a renewal date other than Jan. 1.
According to MNsure, “some eligible household members may be able to find a better deal on health insurance by shopping for a private plan through MNsure and saving on monthly premiums with a tax credit.”
This is possible due to the federal mix of the “family glitch.” Previously, family members of an individual with employer-sponsored health coverage could not access plans or cost-sharing reductions on the health care marketplace, even if the employer-sponsored insurance was deemed unaffordable for family members. A new Internal Revenue Service rule expands their eligibility for advanced premium tax credits.
MNsure provides online resources for consumers, including an employer insurance affordability estimator, plan comparison tool, and access to MNsure-certified brokers.
Contact Director of Policy Rob Nelb, MPH, at rnelb@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
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