The mother of a Minneapolis man who died because he could not afford his Type 1 diabetes medication is asking Minnesotans with an urgent need for insulin to seek assistance through a state program that she helped champion.
In a new video called the “Alec Smith Story,” Nicole Smith-Holt urges anyone struggling to afford their insulin to sign up for the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. Her son Alec died in 2017 at the age of 26 from ketoacidosis after rationing his insulin to make it last longer.
“I encourage anyone who has diabetes and struggling to afford the medication to keep advocating for yourself,’” Smith-Holt said. “I don’t want someone in an emergency like Alec was to be turned away at the pharmacy or start rationing their insulin. You have options.”
Expanded Cost Savings Fuel Record Health Insurance Sign-Ups Through MNsure
Over 134,000 Minnesotans found coverage through Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace during open enrollment period
ST. PAUL, Minn.—A record number of Minnesotans signed up for private health insurance plans during MNsure’s recent open enrollment period. 134,257 Minnesotans signed up for 2022 health insurance coverage through the state’s health insurance marketplace between November 1, 2021, and January 15, 2022. The record number of sign-ups is 14,988 more than in the previous year’s open enrollment period and represents a 10% increase.
I'd proceed with caution about this figure, however. The official CMS Open Enrollment Periord report seems to always come in a few thousand lower than MNsure's official QHP tallies. Last year, for instance, the CMS report put Minnesota at 112,804, around 6,400 fewer than MNsure's 119,269 total.
MNsure, Minnesota's ACA exchange, just posted their monthly Board of Director's meeting slide deck, which includes, along with a bunch of other info, the latest 2022 Open Enrollment Period data:
Don’t Miss Out! MNsure’s Open Enrollment Period Ending Soon
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Minnesotans looking for private health insurance have until Saturday, January 15, to enroll in coverage through MNsure, the state’s health insurance exchange. Minnesotans who enroll by the January 15 deadline will have coverage starting on February 1, 2022.
“Don’t miss out on your chance to get comprehensive health insurance in 2022,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “This year there are more opportunities than ever before to get savings that can lower the monthly cost of your health insurance. Visit MNsure.org to find a plan that works for you.”
Most Minnesotans – including families with middle incomes – qualify for advanced premium tax credits that instantly lower the monthly cost of health insurance. Access to these savings is only available through MNsure.
MNsure Reports Record Sign-ups Since Open Enrollment’s Start
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today, MNsure reports that over 125,500 Minnesotans have signed up for comprehensive, affordable private health coverage through the state’s health insurance marketplace since the start of the current open enrollment period on November 1.
Minnesota’s open enrollment period runs through January 15, 2022. Consumers who select plans by January 15 will have coverage starting February 1, 2022.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the importance of comprehensive health insurance for families and individuals across the state,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “We’re pleased that thousands of Minnesotans are using MNsure to sign up for coverage that gives them access to essential benefits like preventive and emergency care, which can protect them from potentially high, unexpected medical costs.”
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Minnesotans looking for private health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2022, have one week left to enroll through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.
If you’re currently uninsured, self-employed, or lack access to coverage through your employer, now is the time to visit MNsure.org and check your options. More than 170 health and dental plans are available for 2022 through MNsure, and every county in Minnesota has at least 19 separate health insurance plan options to choose from.
MNsure is your one-stop shop for finding the right health coverage that fits your needs, and it’s the only place where you can access benefits that can save you money. “Don’t assume you earn too much money to qualify for tax credits that lower the cost of your monthly premiums,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “Federal assistance has expanded the benefits available through MNsure and more Minnesotans are eligible for savings in 2022 than ever before."
It's important to remember that unlike most states, Minnesota (and New York) operate Basic Health Plan (BHP) programs (also created by the ACA, although Minnesota's program, called MinnesotaCare, actually existed prior to the ACA and was simply retooled after the law passed). BHP programs fit in between Medicaid expansion (which covers adults earning up to 138% FPL) and standard ACA Qualified Health Plans (QHPs), which start at 200% FPL and above in MN/NY.
As a result, Minnesota & New York ACA enrollees who earn between 138 - 200% FPL are enrolled in MinnesotaCare instead, which significantly reduces the number of Minnesotans officially listed as being "ACA exchange enrollees."
Biden-Harris Administration Extends Millions in Funding to Minnesota for MinnesotaCare, its Basic Health Program, Key Connection to Coverage Supported by American Rescue Plan
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing approximately $100 million in additional funding in 2022 to support MinnesotaCare, Minnesota’s Basic Health Program (BHP), as well as added funds for 2020 and 2021. The additional funds, made available through the American Rescue Plan, increase Minnesota’s ability to provide affordable, quality health care coverage to approximately 100,000 individuals.
ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today, November 1, marks the beginning of MNsure’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when all Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive health and dental coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.
This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment will run from November 1 until January 15, 2022, with two important deadlines:
Minnesotans must enroll by December 15, 2021, to get coverage beginning January 1, 2022.
Minnesotans have until January 15, 2022, the last day of open enrollment, to enroll in coverage beginning February 1, 2022.
“No matter where you live or how much money you earn, MNsure has health insurance options for you and your family,” said CEO Nate Clark. “MNsure offers free help from our health insurance experts so you can access all the savings you may qualify for and find the right plan to meet your needs and support your unique life story.”
via MNsure (this is actually from a couple of weeks ago, but still):
Shop and Compare Health Coverage for 2022
ST. PAUL, Minn.—With open enrollment starting in less than three weeks, Minnesotans who need private health insurance can explore health and dental plans available for 2022 through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.
MNsure’s open enrollment period starts November 1 and runs through January 15, 2022, but Minnesotans can use MNsure’s plan comparison tool now to preview insurance plans, compare options, and see what savings they may qualify for.
In every county, Minnesotans will have at least 19 separate health insurance plan options to choose from through MNsure.
