New Association Health Plan Increases Access to Affordable Health Insurance Options for Minnesota Nonprofits
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota nonprofits searching for comprehensive, affordable health coverage for staff have a new option available to them beginning October 29, 2019. BenefitsMN, an Association Health Plan (AHP) developed by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN), has opened enrollment of a new health insurance option for Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations. The new AHP — the first of its kind exclusively for 501(c) nonprofits in Minnesota — harnesses the group-bargaining power of the state’s more than 3,000 nonprofit organizations with paid staff to provide options for comprehensive health care coverage.
The creation of BenefitsMN came in response to hundreds of inquiries received by MCN from nonprofit organizations across the state over the organization’s 30-plus years of existence. MCN formed BenefitsMN in 2018 to first explore, then implement, a carefully vetted option of high-quality, affordable health insurance plans.
BenefitsMN health insurance coverage for eligible nonprofits will be available starting on January 1, 2020. Plans offered through BenefitsMN are available exclusively to MCN nonprofit members based in Minnesota with two or more eligible employees, and include four high-quality plan options in five networks, free access to benefits administration and enrollment platforms, and a full suite of voluntary benefits options.
“MCN members have asked about creating a nonprofit association plan for medical insurance benefits for twenty years,” said Jon Pratt, executive director of MCN. “Finally, with this launch, we have cracked one part of the health care nut to strengthen our members’ viability and increase their capacity to serve all Minnesotans.”
Making up approximately 15 percent of Minnesota’s workforce, the nonprofit sector serves as a vital and growing segment of the state’s economy. By increasing negotiating leverage due to economies of scale, and reducing the administrative burden that comes with offering benefits plans, BenefitsMN will help many nonprofit employers better recruit and retain employees. These competitive and sustainable health benefits will allow organizations to leverage valuable resources to positively impact communities across Minnesota.
Minnesota nonprofits interested in learning more about plan offerings and pricing are encouraged to visit www.benefitsmn.org.
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About BenefitsMN
Created in 2018, BenefitsMN is an Association Health Plan designed to provide Minnesota nonprofits with two or more eligible employees with comprehensive, affordable health care insurance plan options. By increasing negotiating leverage due to economies of scale and reducing the administrative burden that comes with offering benefits plans, BenefitsMN helps nonprofit employers better manage valuable resources to achieve their missions. Learn more at www.benefitsmn.org.
About the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
MCN was founded in 1987 to meet the increasing information needs of nonprofits and to convene nonprofits to address issues facing the sector. With over 2,200 nonprofit member organizations, it is the second largest state association of nonprofits in the U.S., with a mission to inform, promote, connect, and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. Learn more at www.minnesotanonprofits.org.