ST. PAUL, MN—Representatives Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, and Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, are encouraging northwest Minnesota residents to explore new health insurance options available beginning Tuesday morning as a result of Medica’s decision to re-open enrollment for 2017 due to lower-than-expected re-enrollment of previous customers. Medica previously met its approved enrollment cap in November, but opened new slots Tuesday morning.
Included in Medica’s options is the Medica Altru plan, which covers a large number of hospitals and providers in northwest Minnesota in Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. A list of hospitals covered through the Altru plan is attached, and will be available on Rep. Fabian and Rep. Kiel's website.
“This news gives residents in our area additional choices for their 2017 health care,” said Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston. “I encourage everyone to look at these new options, and hope this can help provide an affordable coverage option.”
Last week, the legislature passed the health care relief bill that provides a 25% premium discount for 2017 coverage. MNsure has since extended the open enrollment period through Wednesday, February 8 to give Minnesotans more time to shop around. A separate, special enrollment period for 2016 Blue Cross or HealthPartners customers who lost coverage for 2017 can still enroll through another insurer through February 28 for coverage effective March 1.
“This announcement is good news for northwest Minnesota residents,” added Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau. “Many folks may be planning to skip coverage for 2017 due to poor network access—I hope they will take a look and see if these newly-available plans make sense financially and logistically for your families.”
Medica policies are available for purchase only through MNsure. Fabian and Kiel encouraged anyone with questions to contact their offices for assistance.
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