If you don’t have health insurance, MNsure is a new way to find, compare and buy health coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs. All plans offered through MNsure must cover the care you need, including doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency services, preventive care, prescriptions, and more.
The MNsure information is all available online, but you can apply four ways: online, by phone, by mail or in-person with the help of a trained assister or navigator.
Riverwood is a navigator facility partnering with MNsure to offer consumer assistance. Our financial counselor, Rae Reinhardt, is available at our hospital in Aitkin to help individuals with the insurance application process. She can also answer questions about comparing health insurance policies side by side and how to choose a deductible.
To avoid a wait, call Rae at (218) 927-8284 to set up an appointment Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Her office is located next to the Aitkin clinic waiting area.
Low-cost and free plans are available, and financial help is available based on how much money you make. Those with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level—about $23,500 to $94,000 for a family of four—can receive financial help on a sliding scale to offset the costs.
There are some features of the Affordable Care Act that make getting health insurance easier. For example, no one can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing health condition and companies cannot charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions.
The application you fill out on the Mnsure.com site will let you find out if you and your family members might qualify for free or low-cost coverage available through Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
The enrollment period for health insurance through MNsure is from Oct. 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. It generally takes two weeks for a health insurance policy to go into effect after enrolling, so you’ll need to sign up by Dec. 15 to get coverage starting Jan. 1.
For more information on how to apply for health insurance, visit www.mnsure.org or call the MNsure office at (855) 366-7873.