1. OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND ACCESS

2.  9.1% of Minnesotans were uninsured in 2011 that is 480,000 people  There are significant disparities in coverage  Income – 31% of those with incomes below 200%  Race – 26% Hispanic/Latino, 17.9% Black, 14.3% American Indian  Nativity – 28.1% foreign born  Source: 2011 Health Access Survey, MN Dept. of Health

3.  60% are potentially eligible for coverage through a public program  Barriers to obtaining coverage in a public program  stigma  Difficulty in application process  Misconceptions about program/eligibility requirements  Remains unaffordable for some  83% said they would enroll if eligible

4.  No Wrong Door  Navigators  Outreach  Providing Access to Other Low-Income Support Programs

5.  Reduces stigma by allowing people to access public programs in exactly the same place and in exactly the same manner as people accessing private coverage.  Limits chance of adverse self-selection by sorting applications for most appropriate coverage.  Common application and streamlined eligibility rules reduce difficulty of applying.

6.  Exchange is required to provide individuals to provide outreach and assistance in obtaining coverage  Regulations require that states utilize non-profit community or consumer group as Navigators  Located in local communities  Established relationships with hard to serve populations  Provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services

7.  Increase awareness of importance of healthcare coverage  Ability to target traditionally underserved populations  Utilize a variety of methods for outreach

8.  We have the ability to create a technology system that will allow applicants for healthcare to also be evaluated for eligibility for other low-income support programs.  Increases the benefit for individuals to utilize the exchange  Provides access to benefits and services that will impact on the overall health of the individual.

9.  Decisions we make in the design and function of the exchange will, to a great degree, determine the degree of impact the exchange can have on improving access and reducing the number of uninsured.  Our challenge is to have the foresight and determination to create the best system possible for the people of Minnesota.