As many of you know, MNsure is Minnesota's public health exchange created under ACA or better known as Obamacare. Recently the State Auditor released a scathing report about the failures, enrollment disappointments, and great expense of this entity. As agents we have had a unique perspective of MNsure by having the opportunity to work with folks that have tried scaling the challenges of this still- poorly-functioning State program. Essentially, MNsure had to resort to a large customer service staff to overcome their software issues that was supposed to provide seamless assistance for those seeking to qualify for public assistance. With the State Auditor's report, along with uneasiness in the State Legislature, bills are being introduced to change or repeal the program. Below are the three primary bills being introduced at this time.
Sen. Tony Lourey, DFL, authored the original Minnesota exchange bill which morphed into MNsure. See his new bill - SF 13; here are some highlights:
• MNsure becomes a state agency.
• Governor appoints the MNsure CEO.
• Premium rates must be released at least 30 days prior to Open Enrollment.
• Creates an agent spiff of $70 for writing coverage on Medicaid/MinnesotaCare.
• Prohibits MNsure from selling anything other than QHPs or Dental.
• Allows small business to access tax credits outside of SHOP.
Rep. Tara Mack, GOP, carries HF 5, the GOP answer to Sen. Lourey. Retrieve HF 5. These are some highlights:
• MNsure remains a semi-independent agency.
• At least one agent and two county workers must be added to the board.
• Premium rates must be released at least 30 days prior to Open Enrollment.
• Repeals Active Purchaser.
• MNsure must notify carriers of enrollments within 48 hours.
• Prohibits MNsure from selling anything other than QHPs or Dental.
• Allows small business to access tax credits outside of SHOP.
Rep. Matt Dean, GOP, carries HF 1664. Rep. Dean's bill is simple but profound. It would close down MNsure and default to a Federally Facilitated Marketplace effective January 1, 2017.
Not only has the enrollment been disappointing, but considering the most conservative estimates, it also is not likely to pay for itself anytime soon and the taxpayers are again on the hook. If you have an interest in voicing your opinion about the issues that exist at MNsure, please contact your legislator and encourage them to get one or all of these bills out of committee and voted upon. Keep in mind, Minnesota tax payers did not need to spend $125M in federal money and millions more in state funds just to expand Medicaid. Essentially that was the only purpose of this State program. Let us know if you have questions concerning this and we'd be happy to help you find the answer/s.
