MN benefits exchange faces rocky journey

While Minnesota was among the states leading timely implementation of elements of the Affordable Care Act, MNsure, the state's health insurance exchange, is confronting several hurdles. As the October 1 open enrollment date approaches, MinnPost, outlined the challenges the benefits marketplace is facing.

For one, Minnesota lawmakers recently announced the price tags for particular plans sold on the exchange won't be revealed until October, stirring concern among residents and legislators.

In addition, it is still unclear how the state will fund the costs associated with bringing in advocates to help residents navigate the exchange. Currently, Minnesota intends to pay $70 per individual on consumer assistance partners. However, the state is only fronting $25 per person for those eligible for Medicaid, which Minnesota Public Radio deemed unfair, as fewer resources will be used to help those who cannot afford healthcare.

Meanwhile, boosting public awareness about the exchange represents another major task for MNsure. Minnesota isn't the only state whose residents know little to nothing about healthcare reform and insurance marketplaces. A March study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found 57 percent of the U.S. population reported not having enough information to understand how the ACA will affect them.