A record number of Minnesotans bought health insurance through MNsure, the state’s insurance exchange established under the Affordable Care Act, during the 2024 open enrollment period, officials said Thursday.

“The tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, farmers, gig workers, and other self-employed Minnesotans who rely on MNsure each year have the peace of mind that comes with coverage they can count on,” MNsure CEO Libby Caulum said in an announcement. “MNsure is the only place Minnesotans can access discounts (in the form of tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) to lower their health care costs, on plans that are guaranteed to cover essential benefits like doctor’s visits, emergency services, and so much more.”

The total number of private health plan sign-ups was 146,445, with 58 percent of enrolling households receiving tax credits. The average annual tax credit by household is $6,460.

The Minnesota numbers reflect those nationally.

More than 20 million Americans have signed up for health insurance through the ACA’s marketplace for this year, the highest since the inception of the law under the Obama administration, according to data released earlier this month.

More than 3.7 million people who have signed up for the 2024 plans are new enrollees, data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed.

Legislation passed earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic increased federal subsidies for people buying plans, lowering the costs for many Americans. The Biden administration also lengthened the sign-up period and increased advertising for the program and funding for so-called navigators who help people enroll.

Related Articles

Family of man fatally shot by St. Paul officer says lack of dash cam leaves unanswered questions

Second man sentenced in slaying outside St. Paul bar

3 charged with murdering St. Paul’s Tou Ger Xiong last month in Colombia

Shakopee student athlete dies three weeks after motor vehicle crash

Western Minnesota man charged with threats against U’s Twin Cities campus