Minnesota: 2nd chance for coverage: 2026 health insurance enrollment window remains open thru next month

via MNsure, Minnesota's ACA exchange:

MNsure open enrollment ends January 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans have until January 15, 2026, to sign up for 2026 health insurance through MNsure. While the first enrollment deadline has passed, consumers can still go to the MNsure website to find a plan and sign up for coverage that starts February 1. The final deadline to enroll is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15.

Financial help for Minnesota health care plans is still available only through MNsure. MNsure-certified brokers and navigators provide free expert help and enrollment advice—from trusted professionals who won’t try to upsell consumers.

“MNsure offers a variety of plans that meet Minnesotans’ needs and budgets,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum. “As the official health insurance marketplace, MNsure is the best place to shop for a plan you can trust, without fear of scams or false promises.”

Recently, consumers have been exposed to a variety of sales pitches for plans outside of the official marketplace, but these offers may not be health insurance at all. All plans sold through MNsure are guaranteed to cover a list of essential health benefits that include prescription drugs, emergency services and preventive care, such as flu shots and cancer screenings. Plans that don’t provide comprehensive coverage can leave consumers at risk for high, unexpected medical costs when they get sick or need to go to a hospital.

“MNsure’s partner navigators and brokers are still available to help you make sense of it all,” Caulum said. “Minnesotans have a couple of weeks to find a plan as well as peace-of-mind that they’re covered for the next year.”

After January 15, most Minnesotans will need a major life change, such as moving, getting married, or having a baby to enroll in health insurance through MNsure.

Extended hours ahead of January 15 deadline

Through the end of December, the MNsure Contact Center will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with two exceptions:

• December 24: open 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• December 25: closed

In January, we will operate on extended hours to better serve consumers leading up to the enrollment deadline:

• January 6 and 8: open later, until 6 p.m.
• January 10: open Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• January 12-15: open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The January 15 deadline does not apply to Minnesotans who qualify for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare or members of federally recognized tribes, who can sign up through MNsure any time of year.