2014 MNsure Enrollment Approaches 8,000

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's health insurance exchange says it has enrolled nearly 8,000 Minnesotans in health plans in the first week of open enrollment this fall.

MNsure says over 2,550 Minnesotans have used the exchange to enroll in new coverage or renew their coverage in private health plans since last Saturday. More than 5,300 others signed up for the public Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs for lower-income people.

That brings total enrollments and renewals via MNsure since the beginning of open enrollment to about 7,900.

MNsure says it plans to issue updates enrollment summaries on Fridays this season, and to release more detailed metrics at its regularly scheduled board meetings.

The deadline for enrolling in coverage that takes effect Jan. 1 is Dec. 15.