MNsure Extends Call Center Hours Ahead Of Deadline

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The deadline to sign up for MNSure this year is looming.

Those looking to enroll in the health care exchange have a week left to do it.

Because of this, MNsure is extending its call center hours this week to help as many people as possible.

During the week, phone lines will open up at 8 a.m. and stay open until 10 p.m. On the weekend, they'll be open until midnight.

Those without health insurance should expect to pay a hefty penalty. The minimum for not having insurance in 2015 is $325 per individual, and $162 per child.

"That's the minimum, or its two percent of your income for 2015," said MNsure CEO Scott Leitz. "So either $325 per person or 2 percent of you income, so if you think about it in terms of a person making $60,000, that is a $1,200 tax penalty, and that is real money."

The number for the MNsure call center is 1-855-366-7873. For more information, head over to MNsure's website.

To see an interview with MNsure CEO Scott Leitz, watch the video above.