It’s time to sign up! Open enrollment for health coverage in Minnesota is Nov 1 to Jan 14
Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as “Obamacare”, was passed, Briva Health™has become the go-to place for Somalis when it comes to their health insurance coverage. The organization has expert, multilingual navigators, including several Somali navigators who provide free enrollment assistance through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. Briva Health is MNsure’s largest enrollment partner and provides walk-in and by appointment enrollment assistance to Minnesotans in the Twin Cities and Saint Cloud metro areas. To date, Briva Health navigators helped more than 30,000 Minnesotans enroll un health coverage. “ We try our best to help everyone enroll on the right coverage,” says chief executive officer, Hodan Guled, “ we often come across people who have never had coverage before only to find out that they qualify for a sizable tax credit or even free insurance” she adds.
In Minnesota, open enrollment for health coverage started on November 1st; and will continue until January 14, 2018. Unlike many other states, Minnesotans will have four additional weeks to sign up for health coverage. During this period, Minnesotans can shop and enroll in health coverage that fits their needs and the needs of their families. It is important that all Minnesotans take advantage of this opportunity and use organizations like Briva Health to help them sign up for the right coverage. Many are not aware of the benefits of using the MNsure marketplace. It is the only place Minnesotans can go to get financial assistance. Two out of three MNsure enrollees qualify for advanced premium tax credit, with average savings for a household at over $7,000 a year.
Recent national attempts to repeal the (ACA) have raised uncertainty among many Minnesotans. “It is important that Minnesotans know this year is no different,” said Ms. Guled “ the ACA is still the law of the land and people can still enroll on quality and affordable health coverage through MNsure. None of the confusing healthcare issues being raised at the federal level are affecting Minnesota” she added. As per the law, having health insurance is still a must. Those who fail to do so will incur an IRS penalty or $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, up to a maximum of $2,085.
To accommodate the growing demand for their free service, Briva Health™ has moved to a new office located in the new Hennepin County Human Services building at Hiawatha Ave and Lake St, 2211 E Lake St. Office hours are 9-5pm, Monday through Friday with free daily walk-ins available.