Coverage starts the first of the month after plan selection

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Starting today, Minnesotans can begin enrolling into private health insurance plans through MNsure’s COVID-19 special enrollment period. Any uninsured Minnesotan, or those not currently enrolled in a plan through MNsure, will have until Monday, May 17, to enroll into coverage. This includes Minnesotans who have applied previously and were determined eligible for 2021 coverage but didn’t pick a plan. Coverage begins the first of the month following the plan selection date:

Plan selection date	Coverage start date*
February 16 through February 28	March 1
March	April 1
April	May 1
May 1 through May 17	June 1

*Applicants are not able to choose a different start date.

“Although tens of thousands of Minnesotans have taken advantage of year-round special enrollment opportunities through MNsure, we know there are still thousands more who remain uninsured or have coverage elsewhere that has become unaffordable,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “Come to MNsure.org, check out our plan comparison tool to see what plans are available to you and get an estimate of your financial assistance options. Don’t assume you make too much—most Minnesotans qualify for financial help.”

Free enrollment assistance is available from MNsure-certified brokers and navigators around the state. Set up a virtual or in-person appointment today.

All private health insurance plans sold on MNsure are waiving cost sharing for COVID-19 testing. These plans will also waive co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance for the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit our website for more information about COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Please note — Minnesotans currently enrolled in health insurance coverage outside of MNsure should confirm their coverage options through MNsure before making changes to their current coverage.

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.                                                                                    -###-

February 3, 2021 | Brokers, Navigators and CACs

Beginning Tuesday, February 16, MNsure will open a three-month special enrollment period to help any Minnesotan not currently enrolled through MNsure secure health insurance coverage. This announcement follows the nationwide special enrollment period established by President Biden for those states who use healthcare.gov, the federally run health insurance marketplace. MNsure’s special enrollment period will run until Monday, May 17.

This upcoming special enrollment period is another opportunity for uninsured Minnesotans, or those currently enrolled outside of MNsure, to sign up for comprehensive coverage. Those who enroll during this time will have coverage that begins on the first day of the month following their sign-up date.

For more information, please review MNsure’s press release. We will provide assisters with more details on how to help consumers apply for this special enrollment period by next week.

Tri-Valley Senior Programs is excited to announce the hiring of Penny Millspaugh, a Grand Forks resident, as program manager for the Foster Grandparent Program in Eastern North Dakota.  “Re-launching this vital program while we are still in the midst of a pandemic may not be easy, but it is important for both our seniors and our young people,” stated Millspaugh. The Foster Grandparent Program in Eastern North Dakota will be serving the counties of Barnes, Benson, Cass, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Griggs, Pierce, Ramsey, Richland, Sargent, Stutsman, Traill, and Walsh Counties.                                                                                         

The Foster Grandparent Program engages adults age 55 and over to help children in their communities develop academic and life skills critical to their development and future success. The AmeriCorps Senior volunteers serve as tutors, mentors, and role models to children at risk of falling behind in school and to those with physical disabilities and/or other special needs. The intergenerational exchanges that occur build lasting bonds that benefit those who perform the service and those being served.

“The Tri-Valley Senior Programs department is excited to expand its current Foster Grandparent Program into Eastern North Dakota,” says Marley Melbye (Tri-Valley Senior Programs Director). “We will be able to play a part in improving the quality of life for our senior volunteers in North Dakota who have a passion for today’s youth. In addition, we are excited about the development and cultivation of new partnerships and collaborations with various school districts throughout the service area,” Melbye adds.

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. The agency engages millions of Americans in citizen service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts.

For questions on Tri-Valley’s Foster Grandparent Program or other Senior Programs opportunities, please call 800-584-7020 or visit www.tvoc.org.

Interested individuals should visit MNinsulin.org to see if they qualify

ST. PAUL, Minn.—The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program was created to help Minnesotans who face difficulty affording their insulin.  The program is made up of two parts. The urgent need program and the continuing need program.

1. The urgent need program – eligible Minnesotans can receive a 30-day supply of insulin immediately at their pharmacy for no more than $35.

2. The continuing need program – eligible Minnesotans can receive up to a year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill.

To be eligible for the urgent need program you must—

• Live in Minnesota.
• Have an urgent need for insulin.
• Have a current prescription for insulin.
• Pay more than $75 each month for your insulin.
• Not be enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.

Applicants must present identification proving Minnesota residency in the form of a valid Minnesota identification card, driver’s license or permit, or tribal-issued identification. If you are a minor under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide the pharmacy with proof of residency.

How to apply for the urgent need program—

1. Visit MNinsulin.org and complete the application form by downloading this PDF file to your computer. Open the file and follow the instructions.
If you are not able to print or download this form, please ask your pharmacist for the “urgent need insulin application.”

2. Take your completed application form to your pharmacy with valid identification and insulin prescription.

3. If you qualify for the urgent need program, you can receive your insulin immediately, but you will need to pay up to a $35 co-pay to receive your 30-day supply.

Get free help enrolling in the continuing need program—

You can get help applying for the continuing need program from a MNsure-certified navigator. Navigators are experts at local, trusted community organizations that can help you apply for one of the insulin manufacturer’s programs. Go to MNinsulin.org to search for a navigator in your area.

See continuing need FAQ for answers to common questions about the continuing need program.

The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program is implemented by MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace, and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy is the state agency that regulates the practice of pharmacy and the manufacture and distribution of prescription drugs. It exists to promote, preserve, and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by fostering the safe distribution of pharmaceuticals and the provision of quality pharmaceutical care to the citizens of Minnesota.

US Senator Tina Smith and Lt. Gov Flanagan join advocates in urging Minnesotans to get covered

ST. PAUL, Minn.—In an effort to highlight the importance of meaningful access to health care and to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz, has proclaimed Thursday, December 10, “Get Covered Day 2021” in Minnesota, which coincides with “Get Covered America Day” organized by the Get Covered 2021 coalition. The proclamation was accompanied by a news conference with US Senator Tina Smith, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, MNsure CEO Nate Clark, and health care advocates. The news conference was held in conjunction with the advocacy organization Protect Our Care Minnesota.  

MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance exchange, has joined the Get Covered 2021 coalition with 14 other states and the District of Columbia, in addition to an array of provider, patient and consumer groups, to promote ways for over 16 million Americans to get health insurance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This national effort has two main priorities:

• Stay Healthy: Every American has a role to play in reducing the spread of the virus and keeping communities safe through safe practices: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
• Get Covered: Every American should have access to insurance coverage to help them stay healthy and get the right care when they need it. Most Minnesotans who apply for health insurance through MNsure qualify for financial help to lower the costs of monthly premiums.

“Minnesota is committed to helping people stay safe during the pandemic, and part of that is having the ability to get quality health care when they need it,” said Governor Tim Walz. “December 10 is Get Covered Day, but Minnesotans can go to MNsure.org through December 22 to enroll in private health care coverage for 2021. The pandemic reminds us every day that access to quality health care has never been more important.”

“Community health can be dramatically improved by covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “And affordable, quality health insurance coverage ensures access to care and makes a material difference in the health and well-being of the people of Minnesota.”

“Across the country, nearly 16 million Americans are uninsured even though they are eligible for the financial help offered under the Affordable Care Act through state marketplaces such as MNsure,” said Senator Tina Smith. “If you are uninsured in Minnesota, know that you have options. Go to MNsure.org to see if you are one of the thousands of Minnesotans who would benefit from financial help to lower the cost of your health insurance.”

“The pandemic has placed a renewed focus on how to stay healthy and safe,” said Nate Clark, MNsure CEO. “It’s vital for all of us to seek insurance coverage as protection, not just against COVID-19, but against threats like cancer and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Minnesotans can sign up through MNsure’s open enrollment, which runs through December 22 for coverage starting January 1, 2021.”

Minnesotans have two more weeks to enroll in private health coverage through MNsure. Individuals eligible for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, in addition to members of federally recognized American Indian tribes, can enroll year-round.

MNsure-certified brokers and navigators provide free enrollment help through virtual meetings, phone appointments or in-person meetings that follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. Find free help today.

More information on Get Covered 2021 and “Get Covered America Day” can be found at GetCovered2021.org.

MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.

The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance payments to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners. The program is designed to cover expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities or other housing-related expenses that were incurred after March 1, 2020 and are past due.
Individuals and families interested in applying can:
• Call 211 (Toll Free: 1.800.543.7709; Local: 651.291.0211),
• Visit 211unitedway.org, or
• Text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211.
The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily.
The deadline to apply for rent, mortgage, and utility assistance through the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program is Monday, December 7 at 11:59 p.m. Online applications must be in “Submitted” status and paper applications must be postmarked by December 7. Visit Minnesota Housing’s website to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements.
Please help us spread the word about the application deadline with the individuals and families you work with who may need assistance. Thank you!

Courtesy of mnsouthnews.com (Montgomery Messenger)

A high school group is making a difference for local people who’ve been hit hardest during the pandemic.

The TCU Chapter of the National Honor Society recently held a “Shoe-Boot Drive” asking people to donate gently-used shoes or boots to TCU High School.

Allie Schley, NHS Secretary, and Nikaija Young, NHS member, said the shoes collected were donated to Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. for families in need within the school district whenever possible. 

One of the cornerstones of NHS is service. Schley and Young said holding the drive will help a lot of struggling families in the district.

“Every member of NHS gets to host their own monthly project,” they said. “My (Nikaija) mom works for Tri-Valley Opportunity Council in Le Center. They work with low income/migrant families in the TCU District. The items collected are being donated to them who can put them to good use.”

After two weeks, by the drive’s November 6 deadline, Schley and Young collected approximately 60 pairs of shoes. 

“There are a lot of families in our communities who are struggling,” they said. “By donating to Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, we are able to keep the shoes in our community.”

CROOKSTON, Minn.— Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. in collaboration with Northern Dental Access Center in Halstad, Minn. will be offering MNsure Counseling sessions on several dates this fall and winter. These sessions are free and open to the public.

Counseling dates (subject to change due to weather):
October 14, 18
November 4, 12, 18, 25
December 2, 8, 16

Counseling sessions will be available from 10 am to 3 pm. An appointment is required in order to serve as many people as possible in an efficient, confidential manner.

For more information on MNsure, to get MNsure Navigator assistance, or to schedule an appointment for a counseling session, please contact Nancy Ramon (Tri-Valley Community Assistance Program Coordinator) at 800-820-7263.

All health plans sold through MNsure cover these services at no cost to you ST. PAUL, Minn.—MNsure is reminding Minnesotans that all plans sold through MNsure.org cover preventive care services and chronic disease management at no cost to you (even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible). Preventive care can include screenings, check-ups and patient counseling to help prevent illnesses, disease or other health problems. These services can include blood pressure and diabetes screenings, mammograms, colonoscopies and more. Vaccinations for children and adults, including flu shots, are also available at no cost. “It’s so important – especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – to make sure your family is vaccinated against diseases like the flu and measles and continues to get routine health screenings to prevent major health problems down the road,” said MNsure CEO Nate Clark. “We know it’s easy to put off routine visits right now, but don’t delay these services. Keep safe and healthy by scheduling preventive care visits for yourself and your family today.” Preventive services don’t necessarily need to be done in person. Telehealth services or phone visits may be covered by your plan. Check with your health insurance company to find out if telehealth or phone visits are covered. For more detailed information, check the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) document that was provided by your insurance company or reach out to the number on the back of your insurance card. In addition to essential health benefits, such as preventive care services, hospitalization, emergency services and pediatric services, all plans offered on MNsure include consumer protections. For a full list of essential health benefits and consumer protections, visit MNsure.org. Special note: preventive services must be delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network to be free. Services billed as preventive are available without cost sharing, but additional services included in a visit may incur a cost. MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace where individuals and families can shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage that meets their needs. MNsure is the only place you can apply for financial help to lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Most Minnesotans who enroll through MNsure qualify for financial help.

The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance payments to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners. Local administrators will review applications from individuals and families requesting assistance, verify eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households.

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is one of the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program local administrators around the state that is working with individuals located in West Marshall, West Polk, and Norman counties.

For complete details on who is eligible to apply and what costs are covered by the program, visit www.211unitedway.org. Interested applicants may also call 211 (Toll Free: 1.800.543.7709; Local: 651.291.0211) or text “MNRENT” to 898-211 to learn more. The 211 helpline has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.