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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Kelly Fenton (R)

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Statement from Rep. Kelly Fenton on 2018 Individual Insurance Rates

Monday, October 2, 2017

WOODBURY, MINN – On Monday the Minnesota Department of Commerce released final rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, confirming that Republican-led reforms helped reverse the four straight years of double-digit premium increases and helped to expand health care choices to Minnesota families. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 20 percent or higher without Republican reforms. The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.

Over the past four years, premium rates increased by double digits every year, including nearly 60 percent just one year ago. As a result of the reinsurance program recently approved by the federal government, all current insurers will continue serving the individual market next year. In addition, Republicans successfully pushed to expand health care options and improve access to hospitals and doctors. As part of the reinsurance legislation, providers are now required to offer in-network access to more than one health care provider system in the counties in which they operate.

Rep. Kelly Fenton, R-Woodbury, released the following statement regarding Monday's rate announcement:

“While it seems MNsure and the Affordable Care Act rarely garner good news, thanks to Republican-led reforms this session, 2018 individual market health insurance rates are showing a positive turn around for Minnesotans who purchase their own insurance. These meaningful reforms have helped reverse a trend of annual double-digit premium increases, including nearly 60 percent for 2017. Affordability, accessibility and choice were the key focus of legislation advanced this session, and I am pleased that these reforms have helped check rising premium costs for Woodbury residents, families and small business owners.”