Minnesota: Gov. Walz Announces Record Health Insurance Enrollment for 2024, up 13% y/y!

Via MNsure:

Governor Tim Walz today announced that a record number of Minnesotans signed up for private health insurance plans using MNsure, Minnesota’s official health insurance marketplace. At the close of MNsure’s annual open enrollment period on January 15, 146,445 people had successfully signed up for private health plans for 2024.

It's important to note that the way Minnesota reports "signups" has consistently been a bit higher than what the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) states in their official Open Enrollment Reports. I've never been quite sure whether MNsure lumps in small group market QHPs (SHOP plans) or if it's just some weird clerical methodology issue, but year after year, the CMS report is always around 8-9% lower than what MNsure reports.

For instance, last year, MNsure reported their official QHP enrollment total as 129,537 people...but CMS reported it as just 118,431 (8.6% lower).

However, this press release also states (see below) that enrollment is up 13% year over year, so I'm going to assume CMS will report it as something closer to 133,800 or so for the time being. Still impressive growth either way, even if it pales compared to some other states this year.

“Thousands of Minnesotans rely on our health insurance marketplace to secure affordable, high-quality health care,” said Governor Walz. “We’re proud to be serving more Minnesotans than ever before, helping them lower health insurance costs and secure the coverage they need.”

“Over 146,000 Minnesotans came to MNsure looking for health insurance and found high-quality, affordable private health plan coverage,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum. “The tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, farmers, gig workers, and other self-employed Minnesotans who rely on MNsure each year have the peace of mind that comes with coverage they can count on. MNsure is the only place Minnesotans can access discounts (in the form of tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) to lower their health care costs, on plans that are guaranteed to cover essential benefits like doctor’s visits, emergency services, and so much more.”

• Private health plan sign-ups: 146,445
• New public program applicants (Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare): 39,106
• Dental plan sign-ups: 38,082
• Percentage of households receiving tax credits: 58%
• Statewide average annual tax credit by household: $6,460

MNsure saw a 13% increase in private health plan sign-ups from the previous year’s open enrollment period. MNsure is providing crucial support for Minnesotans who are no longer eligible for Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) or MinnesotaCare, following the end of federal Medicaid continuous coverage requirements in 2023. MNsure has already helped thousands connect with new private coverage through the marketplace and will continue to support Minnesotans through this unprecedented time of coverage transitions known as the Medicaid “unwinding.”

“Before MNsure, Minnesotans without affordable job-based coverage faced the intimidating task of shopping for health insurance on their own,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum. “Today, MNsure offers a streamlined application to compare health insurance options from different companies in one place, free help from a statewide network of insurance experts, and access to financial help for individuals and families.”

This year, nearly 60% of MNsure enrollees will save money on their health insurance thanks to advanced premium tax credits, which lower the cost of monthly premiums. In 2024, eligible families will save an average of $6,460 per year.

Additional opportunities to sign up for health insurance

Outside of MNsure’s annual open enrollment period, Minnesotans who don’t have health insurance may still have opportunities to get covered. The January 15 deadline does not apply to Minnesotans who qualify for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, or members of federally recognized tribes, who can enroll in health insurance through MNsure any time of year. And Minnesotans who experience a qualifying life eventlike getting married, having a baby, or losing job-based coverage also may be eligible to shop for coverage through MNsure. MNsure’s statewide network of certified brokers and navigators offers free, expert help with the entire application and enrollment process, from start to finish.