The deadline to sign up for coverage through MNsure is Dec. 22, making this crunch time. Written By: Duluth News Tribune Editorial Board | 8:08 am, Dec. 19, 2020 × Minnesota Opinion editorial In the middle of a pandemic is a lousy time to find yourself without health care coverage. With layoffs and job cuts this year, however, and with the economy struggling through COVID-19, growing numbers of Minnesotans have lost their employer-paid health plans or are in other ways finding themselves without the as-critical-now-as-ever safety net that helps cover medical bills. It’s why U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and MNsure CEO Nate Clark hosted a virtual discussion Tuesday, to urge Minnesotans in need of a health care plan to sign up for coverage through MNsure, the state’s public exchange under the federal Affordable Care Act. The deadline to do so is Dec. 22, less than two weeks away. This is crunch time.