MN Health Insurance

Recently, the Biden administration announced open enrollment through Healthcare.gov. If you live in the United States, you have a burden folks in other countries do not — you must apply for coverage or risk financial catastrophe.

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed at the prospect. You don’t want to risk the wrong coverage or getting stuck with a pricey bill you can’t pay. Here are your options for affordable health insurance in Minnesota.

doctor helping a woman stretch her arm

Critical Differences: Short-Term Care Coverage or a Marketplace Policy?

When you begin searching for affordable health insurance in Minnesota, you might feel tempted by the low prices some short-term policies offer. However, let the buyer beware — you get what you pay for, which can mean substandard coverage.

Many short-term policies don’t cover mental health and maternity care the way Marketplace policies must. This lack creates a significant financial burden on growing families and those who need therapy.

Furthermore, all such policies don’t need to approve you. If you have an existing health history, they could refuse you coverage. What’s worse is that if you have a catastrophic injury or illness during the coverage period, they could refuse to renew. While you can get a different policy, it can mean switching doctors and severely disrupting your continued care.

Such plans do make sense for young people graduating from college or between jobs — if they are in generally in good health. However, you should know the risks — illnesses and injuries do not discriminate and, tragically, can strike at any age. If it happens when you’re young, you could face a lifetime of hardship.

Your Marketplace Options for Affordable Health Insurance in Minnesota

If you’re looking for affordable health insurance in Minnesota, you have 67 options for Marketplace coverage and four companies from which to choose. These plans meet the standards set by the Affordable Care Act and cannot deny you coverage based on existing conditions.

You’ll notice that when you navigate to Healthcare.gov, the site redirects you to MNSure.org. Please don’t be alarmed. Minnesota has a healthy exchange, and this title and website reflect their name for it.

1. Medica

The Medica Silver EPO costs $335.56 per month. It features a $3,900 annual deductible and $8,550 annual out-of-pocket max. Primary care visits entail a $45 copay and generic drugs cost $15. Dental care is not covered, nor are most out-of-network visits.

The Medica Bronze EPO costs $293.83 a month. It has a $6,850 annual deductible and an $8,550 out-of-pocket max. Primary visits cost $60 plus 50% coinsurance, and generic drugs are $15. Dental and out-of-network visits are not covered.

2. UCare

The UCare Bronze HSA HMO costs $259.14 a month and features a $6,950 annual deductible and out-of-pocket max. There is no charge for primary visits or generic prescriptions after meeting your deductible. Many out-of-network services are available at 50% coinsurance. Adult dental is not covered, although you pay 50% coinsurance for children’s checkups after meeting your deductible.

The UCare Silver HSA HMO costs $338.40 a month and features a $3,000 annual deductible and $6,800 out-of-pocket maximum. Primary care visits and generic prescriptions have a 25% coinsurance. The same rules apply for out-of-network coverage and dental care.

3. HealthPartners

The HealthPartners Bronze HSA PPO costs $291.36 a month. It features a $6,900 annual deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. There is no charge for generic prescriptions or primary care visits after meeting your deductible. Many out-of-network services have a 50% coinsurance, although ER and ambulance rides are covered. Dental care is not covered. 

The HealthPartners Silver PPO costs $357.20 a month. You get three primary care visits for free, after which you pay a 20% copay. Generic drugs cost $25. You have a $3,000 annual deductible and a $7,900 out-of-pocket max.

4. Blue Cross Blue Shield

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze PPO costs $339.82 a month. It features a $7,000 deductible and an $8,550 out-of-pocket max. Your first three primary visits have a $40 copay, after which a 25% copay applies. Most out-of-network services have a 50% coinsurance, and dental care is not covered.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Silver PPO costs $381.54 a month. It features a $3,200 annual deductible and $8,000 out-of-pocket max. There is a $40 copay for primary visits, and generic drugs are $20. There is no dental coverage, and most out-of-network services carry a 50% coinsurance.

Your Short-Term Care Options for Affordable Health Insurance in Minnesota

If you decide to opt for a short-term care policy in your search for affordable health insurance in Minnesota, you have one company to choose from and 14 plan options.

UnitedHealthcare’s least-expensive option, Short-Term Medical Plus Elite, costs $215.33 a month and has a $5,000 deductible and $2 million coverage period max. They do cover prescription drugs on two tiers.

Their Short-Term Medical Copay plan costs $296.98 a month and has a $2,500 deductible with the same coverage period and max. Prescriptions, primary visits, and specialists are all covered with various tiers determining the price.

Find Affordable Health Insurance in Minnesota

If you need affordable health insurance in Minnesota, you have multiple options. Explore yours above and get covered today.