US Senator Tina Smith and Lt. Gov Flanagan join advocates in urging Minnesotans to get covered
ST. PAUL, Minn.—In an effort to highlight the importance of meaningful access to health care and to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz, has proclaimed Thursday, December 10, “Get Covered Day 2021” in Minnesota, which coincides with “Get Covered America Day” organized by the Get Covered 2021 coalition. The proclamation was accompanied by a news conference with US Senator Tina Smith, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, MNsure CEO Nate Clark, and health care advocates. The news conference was held in conjunction with the advocacy organization Protect Our Care Minnesota.
MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange, has joined the Get Covered 2021 coalition with 14 other states and the District of Columbia, in addition to an array of provider, patient and consumer groups, to promote ways for over 16 million Americans to get health insurance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This national effort has two main priorities:
- Stay Healthy: Every American has a role to play in reducing the spread of the virus and keeping communities safe through safe practices: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
- Get Covered: Every American should have access to insurance coverage to help them stay healthy and get the right care when they need it. Most Minnesotans who apply for health insurance through MNsure qualify for financial help to lower the costs of monthly premiums.
“Minnesota is committed to helping people stay safe during the pandemic, and part of that is having the ability to get quality health care when they need it,” said Governor Tim Walz. “December 10 is Get Covered Day, but Minnesotans can go to MNsure.org through December 22 to enroll in private health care coverage for 2021. The pandemic reminds us every day that access to quality health care has never been more important.”
“Community health can be dramatically improved by covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “And affordable, quality health insurance coverage ensures access to care and makes a material difference in the health and well-being of the people of Minnesota.”
“Across the country, nearly 16 million Americans are uninsured even though they are eligible for the financial help offered under the Affordable Care Act through state marketplaces such as MNsure,” said Senator Tina Smith. “If you are uninsured in Minnesota, know that you have options. Go to MNsure.org to see if you are one of the thousands of Minnesotans who would benefit from financial help to lower the cost of your health insurance.”
“The pandemic has placed a renewed focus on how to stay healthy and safe,” said Nate Clark, MNsure CEO. “It’s vital for all of us to seek insurance coverage as protection, not just against COVID-19, but against threats like cancer and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Minnesotans can sign up through MNsure’s open enrollment, which runs through December 22 for coverage starting January 1, 2021.”
Minnesotans have two more weeks to enroll in private health coverage through MNsure. Individuals eligible for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, in addition to members of federally recognized American Indian tribes, can enroll year-round.
MNsure-certified brokers and navigators provide free enrollment help through virtual meetings, phone appointments or in-person meetings that follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. Find free help today.
More information on Get Covered 2021 and “Get Covered America Day” can be found at GetCovered2021.org.
MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.