MNsure offers tips for frustrated consumers

Minnesotans this week have been waiting an hour, on average, to get help navigating MNsure, the state's new online insurance marketplace.

Hoping to ease that pressure, MNsure officials are offering consumers tips to avoid getting stuck when trying to apply for coverage through the website.

The tips, including using an updated web browser or entering a middle initial instead of a full middle name, are based on the most frequent calls to the MNsure help center. Some of the consumer problems are due to software but following the suggestions could save consumers frustration and time on hold, said MNsure spokesman John Schadl.

"Sometimes we're finding that a very simple adjustment that a consumer can make, can make all the difference whether they can move forward or not," Schadl said.

Even though MNsure extended the application deadline to midnight New Year's Eve for coverage that starts Jan. 1, officials are encouraging consumers to apply as soon as possible.

Here are the tips (click here if you can't see the tips below):

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