MNsure is urging those seeking individual health insurance plans to do so during the 2019 enrollment period.

During a press conference on Thursday morning at AdvisorNet Financial, MNsure CEO Nate Clark said that rate reductions for 2019 will range anywhere from 7 to 27 percent.

“Medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy,” he said. “When individuals are insured, our state is healthier and the economy is stronger.”

Chuck Moline of AdvisorNet Financial said that AdvisorNet has been with MNsure since the beginning.

“MNsure for us is operating pretty smoothly,” he said. “We have enrolled thousands into qualifying health plans.

According to MNsure, 42,245 residents in Minnesota’s First Congressional District are enrolled in MNsure, MinnesotaCare, or Medicaid. Of those enrolled, 80 percent are receiving tax credits, with the average household seeing a $10,873 in tax credits per year. The average household has a $1,147 pre-tax credit on premiums per month and a $276 tax credit on premiums per month.

“There are thousands of dollars in tax credits sitting on the table,” Moline said.

Clark said the open enrollment period has been extended this year, running from Nov. 1, 2018, to Jan. 13, 2019. He also said that those seeking coverage by Jan. 1, 2019, must enroll by Dec. 15.

MNsure announced on Monday that it had launched a new online plan comparison tool that allows Minnesotans to quickly compare plan options, estimate cost, and financial assistance. Clark encouraged prospective enrollees to browse plans at https://compare.mnsure.org/hix/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery#/.

Clark also urged those re-enrolling to make sure their information is up to date and reminded prospective enrollees that financial assistance is available.

While MNsure is targeted towards people seeking individual plans, such as retirees or the self-employed, those who qualify for public programs can still apply to MNsure year round.

For more information, visit https://www.mnsure.org/.