Health Care Enrollment Deadline Just Days Away

( St Paul ) -  Minnesota’s health insurance exchange is anticipating a rush of last-minute phone calls from those trying to sign up for a commercial policy before Sunday’s deadline.

 To handle the increased demand, MNsure has announced it will expand the hours of its contact center.

The call center will be open Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. The hours will be expanded Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. - midnight. The center offers free, in-person assistance for consumers who need help navigating the enrollment process.

Open enrollment for 2015 coverage began November 15, 2014 and ends February 15, 2015.

Minnesotans eligible for Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can enroll year round.

“For the vast majority of Minnesotans, February 15 is the last day to enroll into commercial coverage, and we know it can be tempting to procrastinate—especially when enrolling in health insurance. Don’t do it,” said CEO Scott Leitz. “There are still a few days to get enrolled. Waiting until the last minute means you’ll be competing with others who put off getting coverage, which means longer wait times on the phone and more traffic to the online marketplace. The time to get enrolled is right now.”

The number to the MNsure Contact Center is 1-855-366-7873.

An online directory of enrollment opportunities is available at MNsure.org, and the MNsure assister directory is also online.