An audit released Tuesday includes new details about performance incentives and awards for MNsure employees before the troubled launch of the health exchange in 2013.
In January, MNsure disclosed that 14 managers collectively received more than $26,000 in bonuses for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2013 — the period preceding the Oct. 1 start for the exchange's balky website.
The new report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor shows total MNsure payroll spending of $32,191 connected with the bonuses. The extra money reflects employer-paid costs related to the bonuses, including federal taxes, said MNsure spokesman Joe Campbell.
In addition, the audit showed $6,271 in what state officials called "achievement awards" at MNsure during the 12-month period ending June 2013.
"It's an old practice under old leadership, and we have no plans to continue offering either bonuses or achievement awards," Campbell said.
Troubles with the rocky rollout at the MNsure exchange peaked in December, as thousands of consumers waited hours for help from an overwhelmed call center in St. Paul. The website performance improved in early 2014, state officials say, and the health exchange is working on further improvements for the next open enrollment period, which starts Nov. 15.
Nine MNsure employees received the achievement awards, Campbell said, in amounts ranging from $500 to $1,000. Awards were given to both managers and front-line workers, he said.
Achievement awards are distinct from the performance incentives that MNsure disclosed in January, Campbell said.
Christopher Snowbeck
