If you live in the Midwest and are evaluating your health insurance options, understanding the differences between Minnesota and Wisconsin’s health insurance marketplaces is critical. While the two states share borders, their healthcare policies, exchange platforms, and subsidy systems differ in ways that could significantly impact your premiums, plan choices, and out-of-pocket costs.
This comprehensive guide compares Minnesota’s MNsure platform with Wisconsin’s federally facilitated marketplace, giving you a clear understanding of which state may offer better value and coverage for your needs in 2025.
1. Overview of Minnesota’s Health Insurance Marketplace (MNsure)
MNsure is Minnesota’s state-based health insurance exchange launched under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It allows residents to compare, shop, and enroll in health insurance plans while also providing access to public health programs like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare (for low-income individuals above Medicaid thresholds).
Key Features:
- State-based marketplace with local oversight
- Expanded Medicaid
- Offers MinnesotaCare, a unique state-funded public program
- Robust navigator and in-person assistance network
Average Monthly Premium (2025 Estimate):
- For a 40-year-old individual: $445/month (before subsidies)
Leading Insurance Providers (2025):
- Blue Plus (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota)
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- UCare
- Quartz
2. Overview of Wisconsin’s Health Insurance Marketplace
Wisconsin uses the federal exchange (HealthCare.gov) for ACA-compliant health plan enrollment. Unlike Minnesota, Wisconsin does not operate its own exchange and has more limited state involvement in plan administration.
Key Features:
- Uses the federal HealthCare.gov system
- Partial Medicaid expansion via BadgerCare Plus
- Strong private insurance competition
- No state-level individual mandate
Average Monthly Premium (2025 Estimate):
- For a 40-year-old individual: $430/month (before subsidies)
Leading Insurance Providers (2025):
- Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative
- Quartz
- Dean Health Plan
- Molina Healthcare
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
3. Medicaid and Public Program Access
Minnesota:
- Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and MinnesotaCare cover a broad population.
- MinnesotaCare is available for individuals earning between 138–200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)—a unique mid-income option other states don’t offer.
- Broad eligibility and coverage support, including dental, behavioral health, and vision.
Wisconsin:
- BadgerCare Plus covers low-income children and adults up to 100% of the FPL.
- No MinnesotaCare-equivalent program exists.
- Individuals between 100–400% FPL rely solely on marketplace subsidies.
4. Key Differences: Minnesota vs Wisconsin Marketplace Plans
| Feature | Minnesota (MNsure) | Wisconsin (HealthCare.gov) |
| Marketplace Type | State-based exchange | Federally facilitated exchange |
| Public Options | Medicaid + MinnesotaCare | Medicaid (BadgerCare Plus) only |
| Unique Coverage Option | MinnesotaCare (for mid-income residents) | None |
| Average Premium (2025) | ~$445/month | ~$430/month |
| Subsidies | Federal + state-administered | Federal only |
| Uninsured Rate (2024) | ~4.8% | ~5.3% |
| Individual Mandate | No state mandate | No mandate |
| Provider Network | Strong urban and rural coverage | More limited rural provider network |
5. Subsidies, Tax Credits & Affordability
Both Minnesota and Wisconsin offer premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for those purchasing plans through the ACA marketplace.
Minnesota:
- Because it runs its own exchange, Minnesota can provide localized plan choices and flexibility in subsidy calculations.
- Residents up to 200% FPL have access to MinnesotaCare, with premiums as low as $80/month and low deductibles.
Wisconsin:
- Subsidies are federally administered via HealthCare.gov.
- Individuals between 100% and 400% FPL can access tax credits.
- No additional state-funded public options are available for those in the income gap.
6. Provider Networks and Coverage Quality
Minnesota:
- Comprehensive access to providers, particularly in metro areas (Minneapolis, St. Paul)
- Top healthcare systems: Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, Allina Health
- UCare and Blue Plus offer strong rural access across the state
Wisconsin:
- Regional focus with plans often limited to specific geographic zones
- Coverage gaps more common in rural counties
- Quartz and Common Ground Cooperative provide some of the best rural access
7. Who Should Choose Which?
| If You Are… | Best State for You |
| A low-income adult (under 200% FPL) | Minnesota (MinnesotaCare) |
| Looking for broader provider networks | Minnesota |
| Wanting minimal government oversight | Wisconsin |
| Living in rural areas of either state | Tie – depends on provider |
| Needing in-person help with enrollment | Minnesota (more navigators) |
| Looking for lowest-cost bronze plans | Wisconsin (on average) |
Minnesota and Wisconsin take very different approaches to health insurance, despite being neighbors. Minnesota’s MNsure marketplace offers more options for low-to-mid income earners, including the unique MinnesotaCare public plan. In contrast, Wisconsin offers decent private plan variety via HealthCare.gov, but lacks a mid-income public safety net.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your income, healthcare needs, and location within the state. Be sure to use MNsure.org if you’re in Minnesota or HealthCare.gov if you’re in Wisconsin to explore specific plan details and subsidies for 2025.