MNsure Open Enrollment 2026: Complete Guide
MNsure is Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace where residents can compare plans from 5 carriers, apply for premium tax credits, and enroll in coverage. Open enrollment for 2026 coverage ran November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. If you missed the deadline, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. About 60% of MNsure enrollees receive subsidies that reduce monthly premiums to $0–$150, with income limits ranging from $15,060 to $124,800 depending on household size.
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What is MNsure?
MNsure is Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace, established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It's the only place in Minnesota where you can receive federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to lower your health insurance costs. Whether you are self-employed, between jobs, or your employer doesn't offer affordable coverage, MNsure lets you shop, compare, and enroll in health plans from major Minnesota insurers.
Why Use MNsure?
- Access to federal subsidies that can lower your monthly premium to $0–$150/month
- Shop and compare all available plans from 5 major Minnesota insurers in one place
- Guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions
- Free enrollment assistance from certified MNsure navigators
- Single application also checks eligibility for MinnesotaCare and Medical Assistance
When Is Open Enrollment for MNsure?
MNsure open enrollment happens once per year, typically from November 1 through mid-January. Here are the key dates for 2026 and 2027 coverage:
2026 Coverage (Closed)
Open enrollment has ended:
- Open: November 1, 2025
- Closed: January 15, 2026
- Dec 15 enrollees: Coverage started Jan 1
- Jan 15 enrollees: Coverage started Feb 1
Missed the deadline? Special Enrollment may still be available.
2027 Coverage (Upcoming)
Next open enrollment expected:
- Opens: November 1, 2026
- Dec 15 deadline: For Jan 1 coverage
- Final deadline: Mid-January 2027 (TBD)
We'll update this page with confirmed 2027 dates when announced.
Special Enrollment Periods (Enroll After the Deadline)
You can enroll in MNsure outside of open enrollment if you experienced a qualifying life event within the past 60 days:
You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll. Coverage usually starts the first of the following month.
Who Qualifies for MNsure?
MNsure is available to most Minnesota residents. You do not need to be uninsured, unemployed, or low-income to use MNsure — anyone who meets the basic requirements can shop and compare plans.
You CAN Use MNsure If:
- Minnesota resident — you live in Minnesota and plan to stay
- U.S. citizen or lawfully present — you have legal immigration status
- Self-employed or freelancer — MNsure is often the best option for individual coverage
- Between jobs — compare MNsure plans vs. COBRA alternatives
- Employer plan too expensive — if your employer plan costs more than 8.39% of household income, you may qualify for subsidies on MNsure
You CANNOT Use MNsure If:
- Enrolled in Medicare — age 65+ or disabled; use Medicare instead
- Qualify for Medical Assistance — Minnesota's Medicaid program (income under ~138% FPL)
- Currently incarcerated — not eligible during incarceration
- Not lawfully present — U.S. citizenship or legal status required
Note: Even if you have affordable employer coverage, you can still browse MNsure plans. You just won't qualify for subsidies unless your employer plan is considered "unaffordable" (over 8.39% of household income).
MNsure Income Guidelines & Subsidies for 2026
Your household income determines what financial help you can receive through MNsure. About 60% of MNsure enrollees qualify for premium tax credits that significantly reduce monthly costs. Here are the 2026 income limits:
| Household Size | Medical Assistance (Free, under 138% FPL) | MinnesotaCare (Low-cost, 138–200% FPL) | MNsure Subsidies (Tax credits, 100–400% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Under $20,783 | $20,783–$30,120 | $15,060–$60,240 |
| 2 people | Under $28,208 | $28,208–$40,880 | $20,440–$81,760 |
| 3 people | Under $35,633 | $35,633–$51,640 | $25,820–$103,280 |
| 4 people | Under $43,056 | $43,056–$62,400 | $31,200–$124,800 |
| 5 people | Under $50,481 | $50,481–$73,160 | $36,580–$146,320 |
| 6 people | Under $57,906 | $57,906–$83,920 | $41,960–$167,840 |
* Income limits are approximate and based on 2026 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Actual eligibility depends on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).Use our subsidy calculator for a personalized estimate.
Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)
If your income falls between 100% and 400% of FPL, you likely qualify for premium tax credits applied directly to your monthly premium.
Example: A single person earning $35,000/year could save $200-$400/month on premiums, potentially paying as little as $50-$150/month for a Silver plan.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
If your income is below 250% FPL and you choose a Silver plan, you also get lower deductibles and copays — saving hundreds to thousands more per year.
Tip: Silver plans offer the best overall value if you qualify for both APTCs and CSRs.
MNsure Plans and Costs for 2026
MNsure offers over 250 plans organized into four "metal tiers" based on how costs are shared. Here's what each tier costs on average and who it's best for:
Bronze Plans
~$200–$350/mo*60% plan coverage / 40% you pay — Lowest monthly premium, highest deductible ($7,000+)
Best for: Healthy individuals who rarely see a doctor and want catastrophic protection
Silver Plans ⭐ Most Popular
~$300–$500/mo*70% plan coverage / 30% you pay — Moderate premium and deductible ($3,000–$5,000)
Best for: Most people, especially if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) which only apply to Silver plans
Gold Plans
~$400–$600/mo*80% plan coverage / 20% you pay — Higher premium, lower deductible ($1,500–$3,000)
Best for: Frequent doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, or families with regular medical needs
Platinum Plans
~$500–$700/mo*90% plan coverage / 10% you pay — Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket costs
Best for: Chronic conditions, planned surgeries, or predictable high healthcare usage
* Premium estimates are for a 40-year-old non-smoker before subsidies. With premium tax credits, many enrollees pay $0–$150/month. Actual costs vary by age, location, tobacco use, and household size.
How to Compare MNsure Plans
Don't just compare monthly premiums. Consider the total annual cost: premiums + deductible + copays + coinsurance. A Bronze plan with a $250/month premium and $7,000 deductible may cost more overall than a Gold plan at $450/month with a $1,500 deductible if you use healthcare regularly.
How to Apply for MNsure: Step-by-Step
Applying for MNsure online takes about 30-45 minutes. You can also apply by phone at 1-855-366-7873 (MNsure) or in person with a free certified navigator.
Gather Your Documents
Before starting your MNsure application online, collect:
- Social Security numbers for everyone who needs coverage
- Immigration documents (green card, work visa, etc.) if applicable
- Income documents: pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, 1099s, or self-employment records
- Current insurance policy numbers (if you have existing coverage)
Create Your MNsure Account
Go to MNsure.org and click "Shop and Enroll." Create an account with your email and a secure password.
Tip: Use an email you check regularly — MNsure sends important updates about your coverage and renewal deadlines.
Complete the Application
Answer questions about your household, income, and coverage needs:
- Household size and relationships
- Projected annual income for everyone in your tax household
- Current health coverage status
- Citizenship and immigration status
Review Your Eligibility Results
MNsure instantly calculates your eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, or Medical Assistance based on your income.
About 60% of applicants qualify for financial help that can reduce monthly premiums to $0–$150/month.
Shop, Compare, and Choose a Plan
Browse plans from up to 5 carriers. Filter and compare by:
- Monthly premium (after your subsidy is applied)
- Annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- Doctor and hospital network (check if your providers are included)
- Prescription drug coverage and copays
Enroll and Pay Your First Premium
Select your plan and complete enrollment. You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions to pay your first premium directly to the insurance carrier.
Important: Your coverage does not start until you pay your first premium. Pay promptly to avoid gaps in coverage.
Insurance Carriers on MNsure for 2026
MNsure offers plans from 5 major health insurance companies. Carrier availability varies by county — metro areas typically have all 5 options while rural counties may have 2–3.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Minnesota's largest insurer with the widest statewide network of doctors and hospitals.
Available in all 87 counties
HealthPartners
Integrated health system with their own clinics and hospitals, plus a broad network of partners.
Strong Twin Cities metro presence
Medica
Minnesota-based insurer with competitive rates and strong coverage in both metro and rural areas.
Good statewide coverage
UCare
Non-profit insurer often offering lower-cost plans, especially popular with families and individuals.
Available statewide
Quartz
Wisconsin-based insurer expanding into Minnesota markets with competitive pricing options.
Select counties
Not sure which carrier serves your area? Enter your zip code on MNsure.org to see all available carriers and plans for your county. Or use our comparison tool to see options side-by-side.
What Does MNsure Cover?
All MNsure plans are required by the ACA to cover 10 essential health benefits. You cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions, and preventive care is covered at no additional cost.
Primary care and specialist office visits
ER visits and ambulance services
Inpatient care and surgery
Prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care
Counseling, therapy, and treatment programs
Generic and brand-name medications
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
Blood work, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans
Annual checkups, vaccines, screenings — no copay
Children's dental and vision included
Frequently Asked Questions About MNsure
Common questions about MNsure enrollment, eligibility, costs, and coverage.
When is open enrollment for MNsure?
MNsure open enrollment for 2026 coverage ran from November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. If you enrolled by December 15, your coverage started January 1. If you enrolled between December 16 and January 15, coverage started February 1. The next MNsure open enrollment for 2027 coverage is expected to begin November 1, 2026.
Who qualifies for MNsure?
You qualify for MNsure if you are a Minnesota resident, a U.S. citizen or lawfully present, not currently incarcerated, and not eligible for Medicare. You can use MNsure whether you are employed, self-employed, or unemployed. You do not need to be uninsured to apply — you can use MNsure even if you have employer coverage but want to compare options.
What are the MNsure income limits for subsidies?
For 2026, you may qualify for premium tax credits if your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For an individual, that is approximately $15,060 to $60,240 per year. For a family of four, the range is approximately $31,200 to $124,800. If your income is below 200% FPL, you may also qualify for MinnesotaCare.
How much does MNsure cost per month?
MNsure plan costs vary by age, location, tobacco use, and plan type. Before subsidies, Bronze plans start around $200-$350/month and Silver plans around $300-$500/month for an individual. However, about 60% of MNsure enrollees qualify for premium tax credits that can reduce monthly costs to $0-$150/month depending on income.
Can I still enroll in MNsure if I missed open enrollment?
Yes, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experienced a qualifying life event such as losing health coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby, moving to Minnesota, or having an income change. You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll through MNsure.
What does MNsure cover?
All MNsure plans must cover 10 essential health benefits required by the ACA: doctor visits, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative services, lab tests, preventive care (free), and pediatric services including dental and vision for children.
How do I apply for MNsure online?
To apply for MNsure online, go to MNsure.org and click "Shop and Enroll." Create an account, complete the application with your household and income information, see your eligibility results, compare available plans, and select your plan. The process takes about 30-45 minutes. You will need Social Security numbers, income documents, and immigration paperwork if applicable.
What is the difference between MNsure and MinnesotaCare?
MNsure is the health insurance marketplace where you shop for and enroll in private health insurance plans with possible premium tax credits. MinnesotaCare is a public health insurance program for low-income Minnesotans who earn too much for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) but may not be able to afford private insurance. You apply for both through the MNsure website.
How many insurance carriers are on MNsure?
For 2026, MNsure offers plans from 5 insurance carriers: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Medica, UCare, and Quartz. Carrier availability varies by county — metro areas typically have all 5 carriers while rural counties may have 2-3 options. You can check which carriers serve your area by entering your zip code on MNsure.org.
Can I compare MNsure plans before applying?
Yes, MNsure offers a "Shop and Compare" tool on their website where you can browse available plans, compare premiums, deductibles, and networks before creating an account or submitting an application. However, to see your actual costs after subsidies, you will need to complete the full application with your income information.
Related Resources
MNsure Subsidy Calculator
See how much you can save with premium tax credits based on your income
Self-Employed Health Insurance
Best options for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners in Minnesota
MinnesotaCare Income Limits
Detailed eligibility guide for Minnesota's low-cost public health insurance program
COBRA Alternatives
Compare MNsure plans vs COBRA when you lose employer coverage
2026 Health Insurance Crisis Guide
Critical deadlines, what happens if you miss enrollment, and emergency options for getting covered in 2026.
Need Help With MNsure?
Compare plans, calculate your subsidy, and find the right coverage for your family
Disclaimer: Navitize is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to MNsure, the State of Minnesota, or any government agency. This guide is compiled from publicly available information for educational purposes only and does not constitute official guidance. For official information, visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873. Income limits, plan availability, and subsidy amounts may change. Always verify current information with MNsure before making enrollment decisions. Last updated: February 25, 2026.