There has been a great deal of media coverage on the ZIP code exclusion by one the two carriers contracted to sell health insurance on the MNsure exchange in southeastern Minnesota.
Heather Carlson's article that appears in the Oct. 31 P-B stated, "Rochester residents shopping for health insurance on the state's exchange soon are expected to have more than one plan and provider to choose from."
That statement is not entirely correct. The carrier that since the launch of MNsure has offered a plan in Rochester includes Olmsted Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Rochester and Mayo Health System - its their network.
The carrier that is now extending its plans into the Rochester ZIP codes does not include Mayo Clinic Rochester in their network.
The comments made in the media about networks and business decisions is correct. Neither ACA or MNsure can force a insurance company into a business model. Residents of Rochester that are seeking a choice in their provider still only have one carrier that will provide that choice.
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Michael Pagelkopf
Rochester
