Reasons to keep MNsure account updated, stay current
Published 8:00 am Thursday, August 15, 2019
MNsure enrollees have just under three months until the open enrollment period, and experts say that it’s important for accounts to be current and accurate.
Whether a person recently underwent life changes like marriage, buying a house or having a baby, enrollees in MNsure need to stay on top of their accounts when they go through transitions, according to Nate Clark, MNsure CEO, which means notifying MNsure about any changes.
“If you have insurance purchased through MNsure and you’ve recently moved, had a baby, or gotten married–congratulations! The next step is to let us know,” Clark said. “Reporting changes as they happen is important. It ensures you’re getting the right amount of advanced premium tax credits if your income or family size changes or that you’re receiving mailed notices from MNsure or your insurer if you moved.”
Here are some reasons why it’s important to stay current with your MNsure account:
•Most cases, individuals only have 60 days from when a life event occurs to qualify for a special enrollment period and change plans or enroll in coverage. Some examples of life event includes change in household size because of birth or marriage, moving to Minnesota or to a new county in the state, or loss of health insurance.
•Life events can affect the tax credits you may be eligible for. Your premium tax credit is calculated based on projected household income, family composition for the year and other pieces of information. Even if you file your tax return at the end of the year, the Internal Revenue Service determines the final amount of tax credit you qualify for depending on the actual income you received that year. If you take more premium tax credit than you’re due, you might have to pay back the excess when you file your federal tax return.
•Make sure to update your outdated mailing addresses. It could mean you haven’t been receiving important notices, and not all MNsure notices are available online. Make sure to update your contact information.
•Your plan might not be available if you moved to another area, and plan options might have changed. Health insurance company and plan availability is different statewide.
Account updates should be reported to the MNSure Contact Center by calling 651-539-2099. (855-366-7873 outside of the Twin Cities).