Dear Neighbors,
Thank you to those of you that took time to attend last evening’s town hall meeting. It was great to meet with so many of you and hear your questions. I appreciate the respectful conversation we had and I look forward to continued conversations with you in the future.
We received good news on Friday as the Minnesota Department of Commerce released preliminary rates for the 2019 individual insurance market revealing that for the second consecutive year, legislative reforms have helped reduce or hold flat individual market health insurance rates after years of double-digit increases following the implementation of Obamacare in Minnesota.
I am encouraged by today’s news that shows health care rates in the individual marketplace will go down next year. This is affirmation that the reforms enacted at the Legislature are working and delivering results for Minnesota families. I remain committed to seeking additional reforms to continue this positive trend to ensure all Minnesotans have access to affordable health care.
All five of the carriers on the individual market are projected to decrease premiums for 2019, with average preliminary rates dropping between 3% and 12.4%. The individual market serves Minnesotans who buy health insurance on their own, not through an employer or the government.
Finally, I will be running in Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth on Saturday. If you are running in or you are watching the marathon, I will be wearing a bright green shirt with bib number 1603. I would enjoy connecting with you and hearing about your marathon weekend experience.
That’s all for this week’s update. Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the capitol. For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-0141 or rep.randy.jessup@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Randy