Minnesota exchange takes 5,569 applications

By Patrick Condon

October 17, 2013 at 09:47 AM

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — MNsure, Minnesota's public exchange, has enrolled 3,769 people in health coverage since it began operation Oct. 1, officials said Wednesday.

Another 1,800 people have completed the application process but have not yet chosen an insurer.

The applications seek coverage for a total of 11,684 primary insureds and dependents.

Owners of 355 small businesses have opened Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) accounts.

The state has about 300,000 uninsured residents.

MNsure has set a goal that 823,755 people will obtain insurance through the site by the end of 2014.

MNsure's executive director, April Todd-Malmlov, said she expects the pace of enrollment to pick up speed with the approach of a Dec. 15 deadline to lock down coverage before it takes effect Jan. 1.

"We are happy with the numbers so far, and we think most of our enrollment is going to come in December," Todd-Malmlov said after presenting the initial enrollment figures at a meeting of the MNsure board.

Todd-Malmlov said technical problems have kept customers from paying for their coverage through the website. She said enrollees will be able to pay for plans in November and December.

The initial Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) open enrollment period will last until mid-February.

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