With Smaller Uninsured Pool, MNsure Boosts Outreach

ST. PAUL (AP) - It's crunch time for the state's health insurance exchange as open enrollment comes to a close.

MNsure has boosted its outreach efforts in its final week of enrollment ahead of the Sunday deadline. The exchange is hosting dozens of enrollment events daily and has partnered with insurance brokers to sign up more Minnesotans for health care.

MNsure spokesman Joe Campbell says it's much harder for the exchange to find new subscribers in its second year.

Exchange officials announced Friday it had signed up 49,000 residents in private plans. That's more than 17,000 short of its goal for commercial plans.

The window to sign up for commercial coverage through MNsure closes Sunday at midnight. Enrollment in public programs like MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance is open year-round.