Association Health Plan

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On January 1, 2020, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) launched BenefitsMN, a new health care coverage option for Minnesota nonprofits! Over the past two years, we have worked diligently towards this goal, because we are committed to increasing the vitality of Minnesota’s nonprofit sector.

Throughout the 30-year history of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN), our members from across the state have asked us to provide health plan options, to help them improve their ability to recruit and retain the best possible staff. MCN formed BenefitsMN, an Association Health Plan (AHP), in 2018, to develop and oversee this exploration. By increasing negotiating leverage due to economies of scale, and reducing the administrative burden that comes with offering benefits plans, we believe BenefitsMN helps nonprofit employers better achieve their missions.

In a nutshell, the plans we present offer:

Coverage for MCN members based anywhere in Minnesota
Coverage for employers with two or more eligible employees
Four high-quality plan options in five networks
Attractive rates for a majority of our members
Access to Benefits Administration and enrollment platforms at no additional cost
A full suite of voluntary benefits options

As 2021 approaches, we're elated to report that 82 percent of currently participating organizations will NOT see a cost increase for 2021. In addition, BenefitsMN has negotiated:

MyHealthRewards Invest to be included for 2021
Medica’s Clear Value Network to be added for 2021
the addition of a $500-$25-25% for 2021
another 9 percent Rate Cap Per Tier for 1/1/2022

Note: Any nonprofit - MCN member or not - may request information from Gallagher about the plans. To receive a rate quote and to participate in BenefitsMN, however, an organization must be an active nonprofit member of MCN for a minimum of 30 days.

Learn More or Request Plan Information

Watch a Recording of "Explore BenefitsMN for 2021" Webinar

On September 2, 2020, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Gallagher hosted a free webinar highlighting the association health plan available to MCN member nonprofits, including the health plans, networks, pricing, and related benefits that can help your organization attract, retain, and support your staff. View the webinar recording below or download presentation slides here.

View Webinar Recording

Missed the webinar on how to use Medica My Health Rewards? View the recording

Curious about the timeline for participation in BenefitsMN?

Whether your organization might offer employee medical benefits for the first time, or you are wondering about shifting existing employee plans to BenefitsMN, there are a number of key steps to consider as you move through the process. BenefitsMN and Gallagher have developed a general timeline that helps detail each of these steps, so that you have an overview of the entire process. This takes you from your initial consultation through to the first day of your organization's coverage.

Review Optimal Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQ Association Health Plan

How do I learn more about plan options?

To learn more about plans, please visit https://cloud.info.ajg.com/benefits-mn-registration or click the button below to connect with Gallagher Benefits Services, the exclusive broker for BenefitsMN.

Request more information

If you’d like to speak to a Gallagher representative, contact Jack Duffy at 952-356-3578 and/or jack_duffy@ajg.com or Michaela O'Brien at 952-356-0757 and/or michaela_obrien@ajg.com.
When do these plans go into effect?

Coverage begins January 1, 2020 or after (depending on the benefits year start for an organization).
How soon will I be able to know what the costs and rates will be?

To receive a quote for rates, you’ll need to have be an MCN member for a minimum of 30 days. You will need to submit information to Gallagher, the exclusive broker for BenefitsMN. Once Gallagher has the information, you should receive a proposal within two weeks.
Request a quote
My organization is small. Can we participate?

Yes, employers with two or more eligible employees will be eligible to participate in BenefitsMN. Each employer will designate their employee eligibility at 20, 25 or 30 hours per week.
My organization is based in Greater Minnesota. Will coverage be available there?

Yes, all Minnesota nonprofit employers will have the ability to choose from multiple plans and multiple networks that will fit the needs of their employees. Plan and network availability will vary by geographic location. The nonprofit employer must be headquartered in Minnesota.
How much will the plans cost?

That will depend on where your organization is located, what plans you might choose, the information you submit to Medica, and the ages of participants. Each organization will receive rates specific to that organization.
Can I keep my existing doctor/provider?

That will depend on the plans and networks each employer chooses to offer its employees. The Medica Choice Passport network — one of the region's largest provider networks — is one of the network options included in BenefitsMN.
Is there dental coverage?

Yes, through Colonial Life and available in Gallagher's Turn-Key Solutions.
Are domestic partners covered?

Yes.
Does my nonprofit need to be an MCN member to participate?

Any nonprofit - MCN member or not - may request information from Gallagher about the plans. To receive a rate quote and to participate in BenefitsMN, however, an organization must be an active nonprofit member of MCN for a minimum of 30 days.

Not sure if you're a member?
Visit our nonprofit member list to search for your organization or email info@minnesotanonprofits.org to inquire.

Want to learn more about MCN membership?
If you'd like to learn more about nonprofit membership — including benefits, dues levels, and more — visit our member page.
Why is it necessary to be an MCN member for 30 days before receiving a quote for health insurance rates?

This is a legal requirement under Minnesota insurance laws. Specifically, in this context of an association-sponsored health plan, Minnesota law prohibits MCN from directly soliciting, offering, or selling an insurance policy to its members within the first 30 days of membership. See the definitions of “group insurance” and “association” under Minnesota Statutes Insurance (Ch. 59A-79a) § 60A.02, for additional context.
I currently work with another broker. Do I have to work with Gallagher?
Yes. Gallagher is the exclusive broker to BenefitsMN. You can continue to work with your existing broker for other types of insurance, such as business insurance including Directors & Officers coverage, casualty, liability, and workers compensation.

Also, you can work with your current broker to purchase voluntary employee benefits, which includes dental, life, and accident insurance.
- If you want to use the Medsurety Benefits Administration platform and services for the medical coverage, you must offer your employees at least two of the voluntary benefits that Colonial has developed. If you offer these to employees and none of them enrolls in the benefits, you can still access the Medsurety Benefits Administration platform free-of-charge, for managing your organization’s medical benefits. In this case, you would need to have another way to manage enrollment and coverage of these ancillary, voluntary benefits.
I have other questions. Can you help?

If you have questions about BenefitsMN not addressed in the FAQ above, please contact info@BenefitsMN.org. We will do our best to provide assistance in a timely manner.