Grants will provide face-to-face assistance for Minnesotans to find quality, affordable health coverage through MNsure
St. Paul, Minnesota — State Representative John Ward (DFL – Baxter) is encouraging local non-profits to apply for Consumer Assistance Grants on behalf of MNsure. The grants will fund outreach, public education, and infrastructure for entities to help Minnesotans understand and enroll in health care coverage through MNsure.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from now through July 19th. Grants are available in any amount between $2,000 and $200,000, depending on the local population being served (and up to $500,000 for a statewide coalition).
“MNsure is a new competitive marketplace where Minnesotans can get high-quality insurance that fits their budget, but as with anything new, we need to help people understand and use the system — that’s where these grants will make a difference,” said Rep. Ward. “I strongly encourage interested groups to apply for these grants and help area residents learn more about the benefits of MNsure.”
MNsure will offer three types of grants: outreach and infrastructure, infrastructure-only, and outreach-only grants. $4 million is available for organizations to put the pieces in place to educate the public and facilitate enrollment through MNsure. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community organizations, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and others. Grantees will be trained and certified through MNsure.
MNsure’s Consumer Assistance Partners are made up of three types of entities: Navigators/In-Person Assisters, Certified Application Counselors, and Agents/Brokers. For more information and materials, follow this link to MNsure’s website: http://www.mnsure.org/hix/your-benefits/consumer-assistants.jsp
MNsure is a one-stop health insurance marketplace where individuals, families and small employers will be able to get quality health coverage at a fair price. MNsure will facilitate enrollment in private insurance products and public health insurance, calculate eligibility for financial assistance to lower premiums, and allow Minnesotans to shop and compare between insurance products.