Greetings,
The Minnesota Department of Commerce on Monday released preliminary rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, revealing that reforms we led to enactment this year could end the four-year trend of double-digit premium increases since the implementation of Obamacare and MNsure in Minnesota.
The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.
If approved by the federal government, the Minnesota Premium Security Plan will result in premium decreases for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. In contrast, average rates increased by double digits every year since 2014, including nearly 60 percent for 2017. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 25 percent or more without the reforms we implemented.
The health insurance reform we led to enactment this year is geared toward improving the individual insurance market, increasing accessibility and reducing premiums – all areas where MNsure has underperformed since it was implemented. Significant challenges remain with the MNsure program, but this is positive news and shows we are heading in the right direction. Final rates for the 2018 individual market are expected to be released in October 2017.
In other news, the dedication ceremony for Kenneth L. Olson Memorial Highway already may have taken place in Paynesville, but the recognition finally will be official on the state books.
A tribute to Olson, a 1963 Paynesville High School graduate and war hero, took place June 10 as the stretch of Highway 23 through town was named in his honor following enactment of legislation Sen. Fischbach and I authored. But, at the state level, the measure was set to officially become effective Aug. 1 to coincide with start date for a number of other policy-related provisions approved earlier this year.
A few of those new policy laws starting up this week include:
VETERANS MEMORIALS
A change related to county-funded memorials will provide local officials with more discretion by striking an unnecessary state law which required county-funded memorials be located “on the courthouse square, or in a public park at the county seat, or in a cemetery adjacent to the county seat.” County-funded veteran memorials now can be constructed anywhere in the county.
IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER
The penalty for impersonating a military officer has been expanded to cover impersonating any member of the military, or a veteran. Also, a gross misdemeanor is created for someone who impersonates a peace officer. The penalty is raised to a felony for someone with a previous violation in the past five years.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
As for school bus safety, new law increases the minimum fine from $300 to $500 for failure to stop for a school bus that has activated its stop arm and flashing red lights system. The same penalty applies for passing a school bus on the right when its warning light system is activated.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
On another note regarding new laws, legislation I authored this year allowing police departments and cities to raise and spend money for National Night Out events became effective earlier this year. This will be helpful in bridging gaps that sometimes exist between communities and law enforcement officials. I hope you are able to get out and enjoy local National Night Out festivities this evening.
Good luck,
Jeff
Rep. Jeff Howe
527 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-4373
rep.jeff.howe@house.mn