One area financial advisor firm received recognition from MNsure leaders Tuesday as the state’s health insurance exchange prepares for the upcoming insurance enrollment period this fall.

MNsure Interim Executive Director Allison O’Toole lauded AdvisorNet Financial Tuesday during a stop in Austin, the first such stop in a statewide tour.

AdvisorNet, under Chuck Moline, was one of six pilot sites in Minnesota last year for MNsure’s Lead Agency program, which received more support from MNsure employees and gave more feedback on the enrollment process. Moline and AdvisorNet more than quadrupled the amount of clients signed up for MNsure last year.

Moline said the enrollment process last year was a huge improvement from MNsure’s initial enrollment period, which was plagued by computer issues and long wait times for customers.

“It was 180 degrees from where it was the first year,” he said.

This year, AdvisorNet Financial is one of 20 sites around the state and no longer the only site in southern Minnesota to receive extra support from MNsure officials. Moline plans to reach out to more people through online registration booths at area hospitals and stores throughout the enrollment period, from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re reaching people,” he said.

O’Toole praised Moline and his team for their experience helping people to sign up. She hopes to get more information about how advisors work with people as she tours the state over the next few months.

Though more than 95 percent of Minnesotans have insurance since MNsure started in 2013-2014, there are still people who could benefit from MNsure’s market, according to O’Toole. MNsure’s goal this year is to work with more people to save as much money on the exchange as possible.

“We’re hoping to help consumers save money,” O’Toole said.