Health Emergency to End (continued)

As we draw closer to the May expiration date of the public health emergency, this is the time to talk to your customers about themselves and anyone they know who may be among those millions of people who will need to find new coverage.

As stated on the CMS website, “Agents and brokers play a crucial role in educating consumers about the Health Insurance Marketplace, both during annual Open Enrollment and throughout the coverage year.”

Federal and State Exchanges

Currently, thirty-three states use the federally funded exchange, healthcare.gov. Minnesota, on the other hand, is one of seventeen states (and the District of Columbia) that runs its own exchange – MNsure.gov.

Over the last few years, the MNsure platform has seen a number of upgrades to make it better and easier than ever, including infrastructure, renewal processes and eligibility determination improvements.

Next Steps

Under the Public Health Emergency, many of the requirements for Medicaid coverage were more relaxed and it allowed people who previously were not eligible to get coverage in the healthcare marketplace. Although countless people will no longer qualify for Medicaid, they may still receive subsidies to help reduce the cost of coverage. Also, it’s important to remember that MNsure is the only place in Minnesota for subsidies.

Relatedly, as employers look for options about plans and coverage, they may take another look at small group coverage as well as an ICHRA. With an ICHRA, the employer funds the account, which the plan participants then use to pay for premiums, along with IRS-approved healthcare products and services.

Local Agent, Local Knowledge

As a member of your community, you bring knowledge and commitment not found in national call centers. This helps you get in front of customers to sit down with them to discuss their goals and needs, ensuring finding the right plan to fit them.

Your customers – and potential customers – rely on you to have the knowledge and understanding to guide their decisions. And, with the number of potential customers that will be looking for coverage in the coming months, now is the time to market yourself and make sure the people in your community know you are there for them.

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