St. Paul, MN—Rep. Mark Uglem, R-Champlin, issued the following statement following the release of the health insurance premium rates for the 2014-2015 open enrollment period. The Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that rates would increase for a majority of consumers of all ages on MNsure in all parts of the state, many by double-digit percentages. The lowest-cost option for many men and women using Minnesota's Obamacare exchange is set to increase by more than 20% next year alone.
"I'm disappointed by news that MNsure premium rates are going up, resulting in higher costs for Minnesota families," Uglem said. "Minnesotans are paying more despite being promised hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in cost savings by those who helped bring Obamacare to Minnesota. I hope the legislature will take a serious look next session at ways to fix MNsure, expand choices, and reduce costs to help deliver on some of the promises that were made to Minnesotans."
Since the implementation of Obamacare began last year, insurance premium costs are rising faster than ever. According to the
Commonwealth Fund, individual market insurance premiums from 2003-2010 rose a total of 35% in Minnesota. In the first full year of Obamacare in Minnesota, the same rates rose 47% for Minnesotans according to the
Manhattan Institute. For 2014-2015, one of the largest insurers remaining on MNsure will see a 17 percent average increase for 2015, translating to higher costs for thousands of Minnesotans.
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