Minnesota: Final days to sign up before 2026 enrollment deadline

via MNsure, Minnesota's ACA exchange:

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans have four days left to sign up for health insurance through MNsure for the rest of the calendar year. The final deadline to enroll is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, for coverage that starts February 1, 2026. After January 15, most Minnesotans will need a major life change, such as moving, getting married, or having a baby, to enroll in health insurance through MNsure—which makes this deadline especially critical.

“Enrollment advice and financial help for Minnesota health care plans are available through the MNsure website,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum. “Minnesotans have a variety of plan options to choose from and can shop with confidence on the state’s official health insurance marketplace.”

The end of enhanced tax credits by Congress has resulted in high interest by Minnesotans comparing plans and prices to find the best value for their families. MNsure’s first enrollment deadline, December 15, was the single busiest day in MNsure history for assisting consumers online, on the phone, and in person with partner navigators and brokers.

“MNsure’s broker partners will help you make sense of it all,” Caulum said, “and they can help you find a plan that offers essential health benefits and meets your budget.”

Consumer anxiety has also spiked due to advertisements and sales pitches for health care coverage not offered through MNsure. But these offers may be junk plans and not actual insurance coverage. All plans sold through MNsure are guaranteed to cover a list of essential health benefits that includes prescription drugs, emergency services and preventive care, such as flu shots and cancer screenings. Plans that don’t provide comprehensive coverage can leave consumers at risk for high, unexpected medical costs when they get sick or need to go to a hospital.

Extended hours ahead of January 15 deadline

To better serve consumers, the MNsure Contact Center will operate on extended hours leading up to the enrollment deadline, open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., January 12 – 15.

The January 15 deadline does not apply to Minnesotans who qualify for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare or members of federally recognized tribes, who can sign up through MNsure any time of year.