Dear friends,
I want to make you aware of some new opportunities that are available due to 2013 legislative action.
MNSure
Despite the partial federal government shutdown the MNsure health insurance website is now online. This is an exciting time for Minnesota as we begin enrollment in the new MNSure health insurance exchange. Families and individuals that are currently covered under a group or state health insurance plan do not need to use MNSure. However, if you are uninsured, underinsured or covered under an expensive private plan, MNSure is a place for you to purchase an affordable, high quality policy and to qualify for a federal subsidy to offset your premium costs.
MNSure’s rates were recently released and Minnesota’s are the lowest in the nation compared to states offering similar products. This is great news that indicates the savings for middle class Minnesotans who choose to use the exchange to purchase health insurance. Because of the federal subsidy that is based on your ability to pay, MNSure will mean paying less for most middle class enrollees. On average there will be an estimated net savings of $500 per person. To see if you qualify for the subsidy, visit this link:
http://www.mnsure.org/individual-family/family-individual-cost-overview.jsp.
MNSure is being implemented under the federal Affordable Care Act. Other changes related to the Affordable Care Act allow children to stay on their parent’s policy until age 26, no longer allow insurers to deny clients based on preexisting conditions and cap out-of-pocket spending at $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for families.
Enrollment in MNSure begins today, October 1, and coverage begins January 1, 2014. If you’re planning to use MNSure, you can enroll anytime by December 15 to be insured on January 1.
The health plans offered include existing networks of providers, meaning most enrollees will be able to keep their doctor or clinic. Health plans participating in MNSure include Blue Cross/Blue Shield; Health Partners; Medica; PreferredOne and UCare (for the first time in the private market). The small employer market will include Blue Cross; Medica; and PreferredOne.
Early Learning Scholarships Program
The 2013 DFL budget included funding for early childhood learning scholarships, some of which are available starting today. The scholarships will increase access to high-quality early childhood programs for three- to five-year-old children with the highest needs in order to improve school readiness for all young children. Priority for scholarships will be given based on family income, child poverty and geographic region. The early learning scholarship program allows a child from an income eligible family to apply for a scholarship of up to $5,000 per year to attend a qualifying early learning program. A qualifying provider may include a public organization (school districts, Head Start programs, etc.) and nonpublic providers include private preschool programs. About 4,000 scholarships can be funded each year and students in Hennepin County will be eligible to receive some of these scholarships.
You can find more information on The Minnesota Department of Education website:
Thank you for the honor of serving you at the State House.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie