The Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA) offers individual health insurance to Minnesota residents who have been turned down for health insurance in the private marketplace because they have a pre-existing health problem. MCHA is sometimes called Minnesota’s “high risk pool” for health insurance, the “insurance of last resort,” or the “safety net.” Currently, about 26,000 Minnesota residents are insured by MCHA.
MCHA is not a state-funded program. MCHA is a non-profit that was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1976 as an option for people who otherwise could not get insurance coverage to have an option for coverage. MCHA is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and an eleven-member board of directors provides direction to MCHA. The executive staff manages the administration of the plan though MCHA’s contract with Medica, for the day-to-day operations.
Who Needs MCHA Coverage?
MCHA is an important resource for Minnesotans who have been turned down for individual health insurance in the private marketplace because of a pre-existing health problem.
There are many reasons why Minnesota residents turn to MCHA for health insurance, including:
- Coverage for people who use up their COBRA or continuation benefits
- Coverage for spouses and/or dependents when an employer does not offer coverage
- Coverage for people who work for employers that do not offer health insurance
- Coverage for people who work part-time or who are self-employed
- Coverage for people who are age 65 or older and not eligible for Medicare
