MNsure Says Early Enrollment Numbers Are Encouraging

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — MNsure says it's tracking well to meet registration projections for this open enrollment period.

A fee on individual health plans helps fund Minnesota's health insurance exchange. But the state has repeatedly missed registration projections, leading to rounds of budget cuts.

MNsure said Monday it had signed up nearly 68,000 by a late December deadline for coverage to kick in for the New Year. It's aiming to sign up 83,000 customers before open enrollment ends on Jan. 31.

MNsure chief executive Allison O'Toole says the preliminary numbers are encouraging that the exchange will meet that goal.

The marketplace is touting tax credits available only through MNsure in a year when health insurance premiums are increasing.