In early 2016, a Minnesota task force composed of health care experts and a bipartisan array of legislators recommended against shutting down MNsure and moving consumers to healthcare.gov, the federally-run health insurance marketplace.

Since then, the massive uncertainty created by congressional Republicans' attempts to replace the Affordable Care Act has only strengthened the case for keeping the state-run MNsure. Specifically, it's not clear if there will be a healthcare.gov in the future.

In the midst of this, a stay-the-course strategy with MNsure is eminently sensible. That's why a legislative measure to move to the federal marketplace in 2019 merits sustained opposition from Gov. Mark Dayton to ensure it does not become reality.

State Rep. Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, has mainly led the yearslong charge to kill off MNsure. The online shopping site's dismal performance in its late 2013 debut led to fair questions about whether the federal option would better serve consumers. But partisanship also fueled MNsure opposition. The marketplaces, known as "exchanges," are a cornerstone of former President Barack Obama's ACA.

MNsure and healthcare.gov are intended to help consumers comparison-shop health insurance offerings. Healthcare.gov was set up to serve states that chose not to build their own online insurance marketplaces. The exchanges remain the only place where consumers can tap into the ACA's tax credits to bring down monthly premium costs.

The future of that financial assistance is also unclear as the U.S. Senate now takes up the controversial health reform bill passed recently by the House. But until the lengthy legislative process is complete, the ACA and its tax credits remain intact. This assistance, likely to become more vital than ever given rising insurance rates, is still only available through the exchanges.

An abrupt move by Minnesota to healthcare.gov could well lead to technical glitches and confusion that make it harder for consumers to access this aid. MNsure hasn't been perfect, but its performance has dramatically improved and consumers have had time to familiarize themselves with it. Keeping it will ensure the smoothest path for consumers to tap ACA tax credits.

In addition, maintaining MNsure will also prevent future upheaval if congressional reform efforts diminish or end healthcare.gov's capabilities. Let's not even run the risk of this whiplash: Minnesota moves to the federal site, only to have the Trump administration then direct states to set up their own exchanges — or exchange alternatives. Trump appointees in key health care posts were chosen because they want to push states back into the lead role on health reform.

There's enough health care uncertainty already. Minnesota shouldn't add to it by jettisoning MNsure.