Health insurance bargains abound again

Opinion editor's note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom.

•••

Being healthy is no guarantee against needing serious medical care. Accidents happen. Appendixes burst. COVID-19, influenza and other pathogens continue to circulate. Heart attacks and cancer can strike with little warning.

If that happens, those without insurance can face daunting bills. The average cost of a three-day hospital stay: about $30,000, according to federal health data. Costs can soar even higher when surgery is needed or ongoing cancer care is required, for example.

No one should run the risk of crushing debt from a medical crisis. Especially now when expanded financial aid, which can instantly discount monthly insurance premiums, remains in place for those who buy coverage on their own instead of getting it through an employer or a public program.

There are some good deals out there for those eligible for this assistance. That's important to know as open enrollment — the annual window of time to buy coverage for the coming year — kicks off Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15 for those who purchase individual policies.

Because most people get coverage through a job, and the Medicare program covers seniors, individual buyers are a relatively small group. In Minnesota, it's just 3% of the state's population, or about 167,000 people.

As part of the nation's pandemic response, Congress lifted the income eligibility ceiling for these subsidies and then in 2022 passed a three-year extension of this. A key message from MNsure CEO Libby Caulum: If you weren't eligible in the past for these subsidies, come back and check again.

"It's always worth giving it another look. Some people are pleasantly surprised," she said in an interview, noting that the subsidies can make "a huge difference" in keeping monthly premiums affordable.

From an overall standpoint, MNsure estimates that "Minnesotans who are eligible for tax credits will save $6,750 in 2024 and spend 5% less on private health plan premiums than they did this year, on average."

Cost-saving scenarios from MNsure further illustrate the savings potential. Note: Gold plans "generally have higher monthly premiums but pay more of your costs when you need care," according to MNsure. Silver or bronze plans "cost you less per month, but pay less of your costs when you need care."

Awareness of this expanded assistance is also important to note with the recent end of a pandemic relief measure — a policy called "continuous enrollment." It suspended eligibility checks of people on medical assistance throughout the public health emergency. The intent: to keep as many people covered as possible in case they became ill with COVID.

Caulum noted that help is available across the state from insurance brokers, assisters and navigators for those wanting expert assistance sorting through their coverage options. To find help near you, go to MNsure.org and click on "Assister Directory" under "Find Free Help." Those who don't want to do an in-person visit can also use this tool to find assistance via phone or video conferencing.

While open enrollment doesn't begin until next month, consumers can window shop ahead of time to research 2024 plans and learn more about financial help that may be available. Choosing the right plan for your family is vital, and getting a running start is smart.