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   ST. PAUL, Minn.—It’s open enrollment season and time to select benefits for 2026—but tens of thousands of Minnesotans don’t have access to health insurance through their jobs. Farmers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and early retirees don’t have an HR department to walk them through their options. The federal government’s failure to extend enhanced tax credits and rising costs have many worried about whether they’ll be able to stay covered next year. They all deserve support choosing a plan.

   Thankfully, there’s MNsure—our official health insurance marketplace—built by Minnesotans, for Minnesotans. MNsure makes it easy for consumers to: 

   • Get a quick cost estimate to see if they may qualify for free or lower-cost health insurance, or tax credits to lower the cost of a private health plan, 

   • Compare plans side-by-side from multiple insurance companies, and 

   • Find free application and enrollment help from local, trusted experts. 

   MNsure is the only place Minnesotans can access financial help to lower health care costs. Even if some federal savings end, eligible families will save an average of $600 per month – over $7,000 a year – through MNsure in 2026. 

   December 15, 2025, is the deadline for coverage starting January 1, 2026. January 15, 2026, is the last day of MNsure’s open enrollment period and the deadline for coverage starting February 1. 

   “We’re encouraging all Minnesotans to make a plan to enroll—because you and your family are worth staying covered,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum. “This year, it’s more important than ever to shop and compare your options. Take advantage of the free, expert help that MNsure offers so you can find the best fit for your needs and budget.” 

   Scammers and online influencers may try to take advantage of Minnesotans and sell cheap, junk plans that don’t actually cover the care people need. The best advice for consumers is to make sure they’re going directly to MNsure.org to shop and compare plans—and get in touch with a MNsure-certified broker for personalized advice when selecting a plan.  

   “All private plans sold through MNsure are guaranteed to cover the important health care services that people need, like doctor visits, prescription drugs, and emergency care. We partner with reputable, licensed companies—so you get coverage you can trust,” added CEO Caulum. “Plans sold elsewhere may not offer the same benefits and could leave you stuck with high medical bills when you get care.”

   Watch the press conference on YouTube: MNsure Open Enrollment Kickoff press conference

New and notable in 2026

   Consumers can feel confident knowing they have lots of good health insurance choices through MNsure. All Minnesotans have health plan choices from at least two insurance companies; most Minnesotans have choices from three or more. 

   All bronze plans sold through MNsure work with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). In the past, consumers had to enroll in a high-deductible health plan to use an HSA – and many bronze plans didn’t qualify. Now, every bronze plan sold through MNsure meets the rules. 

   MNsure also added two dental insurance partners for 2026—Companion and Humana—increasing dental plan options across Minnesota. 

Free help from 

an expert

   Through MNsure’s strong community partnerships, Minnesotans can get application and enrollment help from health insurance experts at no cost, including free plan advice from a broker. MNsure’s 22 Broker Enrollment Centers (PDF) offer free walk-in assistance, and there are hundreds of MNsure-certified assisters across the state ready to help in-person, over the phone, or by virtual meeting. Connect with a local, trusted broker or navigator by searching MNsure’s Assister Directory.

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