MNsure still short of goal as deadline approaches

The deadline is approaching for Minnesotans to purchase private health insurance through the state's online health insurance marketplace.

MNsure has extended call center hours this weekend in order to help people meet the midnight deadline on Sunday.

CEO Scott Leitz urged uninsured Minnesotans not to put it off any longer.

"Come Sunday night, people will no longer be able to purchase private plans for 2015 coverage," Leitz said. "This means they may pay fines in the hundreds of even thousands of dollars. That's real money to real Minnesotans. The day is today, the time is now. Get into coverage."

As of Thursday, MNsure had enrolled nearly 50,000 Minnesotans in private health insurance. The agency needs to enroll 67,000 people by year-end to balance its budget.

After Sunday only people who experience a qualifying event, such as losing a job, can enroll in a private health plan.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.