MNsure Tackles Tech Problems Weeks Before Signups Start

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - State officials say they're on track to fix several longstanding technical issues at the health insurance exchange MNsure.

MNsure's technological staff told state lawmakers Thursday they have major improvements to the exchange's back end system lined up for the weekend. That includes making it faster to update consumers' addresses and add children to health plans - a process that has taken close to an hour.

The state is also working on automating registration submissions to health insurance companies and tackling a backlog of public program renewals.

MNsure's technological woes have improved since a disastrous rollout in 2013 but problems have persisted. Interim chief executive Allison O'Toole says they're making headway on addressing the website's remaining issues.

The next round of open enrollment begins Nov. 1.