MNsure Open Enrollment 2026
Complete guide to enrolling in health insurance through Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace. Find affordable coverage for you and your family.
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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 where you can receive federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to lower your health insurance costs.
Why Use MNsure?
- Access to federal subsidies that can lower your monthly premium by hundreds of dollars
- Compare all available plans from major Minnesota insurers in one place
- Guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions
- Free enrollment assistance from certified navigators
2026 Enrollment Deadlines
Open Enrollment Period
November 1, 2025 - January 15, 2026
This is the main enrollment period when anyone can sign up for or change health insurance for 2026 coverage.
Coverage Start Dates
- Enroll by Dec 15: Coverage starts Jan 1, 2026
- Enroll Dec 16-Jan 15: Coverage starts Feb 1, 2026
Special Enrollment Periods
You can enroll outside open enrollment if you have a qualifying life event:
- • Lost health coverage (job loss, aging off parent's plan)
- • Got married or divorced
- • Had a baby or adopted a child
- • Moved to Minnesota or a new county
- • Income change affecting subsidy eligibility
You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
Who Can Use MNsure?
✓ You CAN Use MNsure If:
- Minnesota Resident: You live in Minnesota and plan to stay
- U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: You have legal status in the U.S.
- No Employer Coverage: Your employer doesn't offer affordable coverage, or you're self-employed
- Not on Medicare/Medicaid: You don't qualify for other public programs
✗ You CANNOT Use MNsure If:
- • You have affordable employer-sponsored health insurance
- • You're enrolled in Medicare (age 65+ or disabled)
- • You qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Minnesota
- • You're incarcerated
- • You're not lawfully present in the U.S.
How to Enroll in MNsure: Step-by-Step
Enrolling in MNsure takes about 30-45 minutes. Have your information ready before you start.
Gather Your Information
Before you start, collect these documents:
- • Social Security numbers for everyone who needs coverage
- • Immigration documents (if applicable)
- • Income information: pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, 1099s
- • Current health insurance policy numbers (if you have 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 for important updates about your coverage.
Complete Your Application
Answer questions about your household:
- • Household size and relationships
- • Income for everyone in your tax household
- • Current health coverage status
- • Citizenship and immigration status
See If You Qualify for Subsidies
MNsure will calculate your eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on your income.
About 60% of MNsure enrollees qualify for financial help!
Compare and Choose a Plan
Browse plans from 5 major carriers. Filter by:
- • Monthly premium cost
- • Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum
- • Doctor and hospital network
- • Prescription drug coverage
Enroll and Pay First Premium
Select your plan and complete enrollment. You'll receive a confirmation email with next steps.
Important: Your coverage doesn't start until you pay your first premium to the insurance company.
Available Insurance Carriers on MNsure
MNsure offers plans from 5 major health insurance companies operating in Minnesota:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Largest insurer in MN with the widest network of doctors and hospitals statewide.
Available in all 87 counties
HealthPartners
Integrated health system with their own clinics and hospitals, plus network providers.
Strong Twin Cities presence
Medica
Minnesota-based insurer with competitive rates and comprehensive network.
Good rural coverage
UCare
Non-profit insurer often with lower-cost options, especially for families.
Available statewide
Quartz
Wisconsin-based insurer expanding into Minnesota with competitive pricing.
Select counties
Note: Carrier availability varies by county. When you enter your zip code on MNsure, you'll see which carriers serve your area.
Understanding Plan Types (Metal Tiers)
MNsure plans are organized into four "metal tiers" based on how costs are shared between you and the insurance company:
Bronze Plans
60% coverage - Lowest monthly premium, highest deductible
Best for: Healthy individuals who rarely see a doctor and want catastrophic coverage
Silver Plans
70% coverage - Moderate premium and deductible
Best for: Most people. Eligible for cost-sharing reductions if income qualifies
Gold Plans
80% coverage - Higher premium, lower deductible
Best for: Frequent doctor visits, ongoing medical needs, or prescription medications
Platinum Plans
90% coverage - Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket costs
Best for: Very high medical expenses, chronic conditions, or predictable high costs
Premium Tax Credits and Subsidies
Most MNsure enrollees qualify for financial help to lower their monthly premium. Here's how subsidies work:
Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)
If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly payment.
2026 Income Limits (Approximate):
- • Individual: $15,060 - $60,240
- • Family of 2: $20,440 - $81,760
- • Family of 4: $31,200 - $124,800
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
If your income is below 250% FPL and you choose a Silver plan, you get extra savings on deductibles and copays.
This can save you hundreds or thousands in out-of-pocket costs when you use healthcare.
Common Questions About MNsure
What if I miss the January 15 deadline?
You won't be able to enroll unless you have a qualifying life event (job loss, marriage, birth of child, etc.). In that case, you have 60 days from the event to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.
Can I change my plan after I enroll?
You can only change plans during the next open enrollment period or if you have a qualifying life event. Choose carefully!
Do I have to use MNsure if I'm self-employed?
No, but you should. MNsure is the only way to access premium tax credits. You can buy insurance directly from carriers, but you'll pay full price without subsidies.
What if my income changes during the year?
You must report income changes to MNsure within 30 days. Your subsidy amount will be adjusted. This prevents owing money back at tax time.
Related Resources
Subsidy Calculator
See how much you can save with premium tax credits
Self-Employed Guide
Health insurance options for freelancers and contractors
Compare Plans
Use our tool to compare all available plans
📘 Complete Health Insurance Guide
In-depth guide to comparing Minnesota health plans with AI
🚨 2026 Health Insurance Crisis Guide
Critical deadlines, what happens if you miss enrollment, and emergency options for getting covered in 2026.
Ready to Enroll in MNsure?
Compare plans and see how much you can save with premium subsidies