MNsure · Guide

Enrolling in MNsure, made simple.

MNsure is where Minnesota’s subsidies live — and a certified assister can do the hard part with you for free. Here’s when to enroll, what to bring, and how the process works.

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MNsure is Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace — and the only place you can use a premium tax credit to lower your monthly cost. The process is straightforward once you know the windows and have your information ready, and a certified assister (like us) can do the heavy lifting with you, at no charge. Here’s how it works.

When you can enroll

November 1 – January 15, every year

Open Enrollment

The yearly window to enroll in or change a MNsure plan. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; sign up between December 16 and January 15 and coverage typically starts February 1.

Within 60 days of a qualifying life event

Special Enrollment Period

Outside Open Enrollment, events like losing job coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby open a 60-day window to enroll or change plans.

Year-round

Medical Assistance & MinnesotaCare

If your income qualifies, Minnesota’s public programs are available to apply for any time of year through MNsure — not just during Open Enrollment.

What you’ll need to apply

Having these ready makes enrollment quick:

  • Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for everyone applying
  • A reasonable estimate of your household income for the year
  • Details of any current or available coverage (including job-based offers)
  • Immigration document numbers, if applicable

About your subsidy

Premium tax credits can only be used on MNsure, and for many households they cut the monthly premium substantially. One important change: the enhanced federal credits in place since 2021 expired at the end of 2025, so for 2026 the regular credit applies — generally for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, with smaller amounts than recent years. Estimating your income accurately matters, because it determines your credit and avoids surprises at tax time.

Enrolling with an assister

A certified MNsure assister is free help that sits on your side of the table. Working with us, the process looks like this:

  • We review your household, income, and the doctors and prescriptions you want covered.
  • We check your subsidy eligibility and compare the available plans side by side.
  • We submit the MNsure application with you and confirm your coverage start date.
  • We stay your point of contact all year — for changes, renewals, and questions.
Wondering if MNsure is even your best route? See our guide to MNsure vs. buying direct →

MNsure enrollment, answered

Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 each year. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; enroll December 16 through January 15 and coverage usually begins February 1.
Sometimes. A qualifying life event — losing coverage, moving, marriage, or a new baby — opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Minnesota’s Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs can also be applied for year-round if you qualify.
Yes. Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions can only be applied to plans bought through MNsure. If you don’t qualify for help, you can also buy directly from a carrier off-exchange.
Nothing. Certified MNsure assisters and brokers are not paid by you — our compensation comes from the carriers and is already built into the premium, so the help is free.
Names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers for applicants, an estimate of your household income, details of any current or available coverage, and immigration document numbers if applicable. We’ll walk through it with you.

Get help enrolling in MNsure

Send a few basics and a certified MNsure assister will check your subsidy and walk the enrollment with you.

  • Free, no-obligation comparison
  • We check your doctors & prescriptions
  • Independent advice across carriers
  • A real local person, year-round

Request your free quote

We’ll get back to you within one business day.

By submitting, you agree a licensed agent may contact you. No spam, ever.

Real local people on your side

No 1-800 numbers and no online quote mills — just licensed Minnesota agents out of our Chaska office who pick up the phone when your plan changes and actually remember your name.

Last updated: June 19, 2026