Understanding health reform

Understanding health reform

The Affordable Care Act

Starting in January 2014, U.S. citizens and legal residents, except those who fit special exemption categories, must have health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Those who don't will pay a tax penalty.

To ensure access to health coverage, state and federal health insurance marketplaces began selling plans on October 1, 2013.

  • Minnesota residents can purchase a plan through MNsure, the state marketplace. Visit MNsure.org or call 1-855-366-7873 (1-855-3-MNSURE).
  • Wisconsin residents can purchase a plan on the federal marketplace. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.

In addition to the marketplace, you should consider any private insurance plans available to you (e.g., through your employer or your spouse/partner's employer, for example). Most people eligible for private insurance will continue to choose that option.

If you have coverage through a public program, check with the state in which you live to determine your options.

Health reform and Allina Health patients

We've answered some common questions about health reform as it relates to care at Allina Health hospitals, clinics and specialty care services.

We can connect you with the resources available to help you enroll. There is online and phone support to help you compare your plan options, understand the financial assistance that may be available to you and to enroll in a plan.

Yes. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Allina Health Network have partnered to offer Blue Plus Metro MN in 2023.

BluePlus Metro MN insurance plans feature a network of leading primary care and specialty care doctors, and regional health systems in the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota. Visit Blue Plus Metro MN to learn more.

  • Visit MNsure.org to compare the features of the BluePlus Metro MN plans and explore the networks. You can also call MNsure at 1-855-366-7873 (1-855-3-MNSURE).

When considering your plan options on MNsure.org, make sure you check the plan networks to verify Allina Health is an in-network option before you enroll. Please note that out-of-network coverage will require higher co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses and co-insurance.

Below are links to pages to help patients understand which health insurance exchange plans in Minnesota (MNsure) offer in-network and out-of-network coverage at the following Allina Health hospitals:

You can also choose to enroll in Blue Plus Metro MN, which features a broad network of care including Allina Health providers as well as a network of leading independent primary care and specialty providers and regional health systems throughout Minnesota.

Yes. If you are a Wisconsin resident considering a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, there are plans that include Allina Health providers and facilities. Make sure you check the plan's networks to verify Allina Health is an in-network option before you enroll. Please note that out-of-network coverage will require higher co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses and co-insurance.

Below is a link to more information to help patients understand which health insurance exchange plans in Wisconsin (Health Insurance Marketplace) offer in-network and out-of-network coverage at River Falls Area Hospital for benefit year 2020.

River Falls Area Hospital and the Health Insurance Marketplace 

Cost depends on many factors, including coverage level, the network of providers and the age of insured individuals. Payment assistance is available through MNsure and the Health Insurance Marketplace for those who meet specific income requirements.

You can review costs and determine if you are eligible for payment assistance online or by phone:

Yes. Providing convenient access to necessary medical care regardless of one's ability to pay is important to us. That's why we offer financial assistance services for patients and their families who cannot afford to pay their medical bills. You can learn more about these programs by calling 612-262-9000 or 1-800-859-5077. We can help you find the right program for your situation.

Reviewed By: Allina Health Health Policy and Government Affairs
First Published: 05/13/2010
Last Reviewed: 10/21/2022