Text messages remind people to renew insurance

Minnesotans who have Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare can now get text messages about renewing their health insurance.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is texting important updates and announcements. The messages will prompt people when it’s time to take action to keep their insurance.

“We want people to stay covered,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Text messaging is a common-sense way to reach them with important information.”

Texts from DHS about insurance will always come from the number “28343.” The reminders are not interactive, and no one should respond by texting personal information.

Enrollees will receive renewal forms by mail. The text messages will notify them to watch their mail for the renewal packet and remind them to submit the forms by the deadline.

Completing and sending the forms back as soon as possible with any necessary documentation will help people keep their insurance. DHS is also developing user-friendly ways to complete the renewal process by submitting documents online or over the phone.

Renewal notices went to about 100,000 people with Medical Assistance over the past month.

State, county and Tribal workers will check eligibility for over 1.5 million people with Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare by May 2024. One in four Minnesotans has insurance through the programs. Losing insurance makes it harder to get health care and could worsen health disparities.

Find out more about renewals, including how to update contact information and get texts: https://mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/.