Dayton Declares 'MNsure Day' With Insurance Deadline Looming

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – We're just days away from the deadline to sign up for health insurance, and MNsure is pulling out all the stops to get people enrolled in time.

Those still looking to purchase insurance through Minnesota's online healthcare exchange have until midnight on Monday to do so. MNsure officials said they expect it to be their busiest weekend yet for people signing up both online and getting help over the phone.

Officials said Friday that the MNsure call center will be open until 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and until midnight Monday for last minute sign-ups. About 148,000 Minnesotans have enrolled in MNsure so far, and about 20 percent of those are the "young invincibles" that they are targeting. Gov. Mark Dayton declared Friday "MNsure Enrollment Day" in Minnesota.

They've been holding events all week to get the younger crowd involved. That includes an event in St. Cloud with "Captain Phillips" star Barkhad Abdi, who is sharing why he thinks insurance is important. He's at the Great River Regional Library Friday afternoon.

Nationwide, President Obama said more than six million Americans have signed up. Everyone must have health insurance in some capacity by March 31 or face a $95 fine, or a 1-percent tax on their annual income.