Slow Enrollment Leaves State With Bigger MNsure Bill
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Lackluster enrollment in private plans and shrinking federal funds may force the state to cover a greater share of Minnesota's health insurance exchange.
MNsure stands to get another $11.7 million in state money from Gov. Mark Dayton's budget proposal for technological improvements. The state has to chip in more because public plan signups have far outpaced private plan enrollments.
The governor also wants to assume costs for staff that review insurance rates and investigate complaints. Those changes would bring the state's running tab for the exchange to at least $23 million.
Republicans say the additional state money is proof MNsure can't sustain itself and needs a major shakeup. Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson says the state money will free up much larger federal grants to improve the exchange.
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