Roseau, MINN—On Wednesday, House Republicans unveiled a number of proposals aimed at reducing health care costs and expanding choices for Minnesotans who obtain health insurance through MNsure, our state’s health insurance exchange.
The proposals come after last week’s announcement that MNsure rates for the 2016-17 open enrollment period are set to rise 50 percent or more. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has also limited choices for Minnesotans shopping for insurance with enrollment caps, and 53 counties are expected to have just two provider options including Kittson, Pennington and Marshall Counties. More than 100,000 Minnesotans will need to find new plans next year including those who had HealthPartners outside of the Twin Cities.
“Families, farmers and small business owners in Northwest Minnesota are facing another year of skyrocketing premium hikes, out of control deductibles and fewer options than ever before,” said Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau). “Simply put, MNsure is hurting Minnesotans and leaving rural communities like ours behind, and we need to implement meaningful reforms to address this issue head on. House Republican are offering a number of solutions to make health care more affordable and bring choice back to the market.”
Proposals put forward by House Republicans fall into two categories:
Lower Costs
- Reduce the MNsure tax by half, saving families $22 million over the next three years
- Use $35 million in leftover MCHA funds for direct premium relief
- Seek waiver or encourage federal government to waive federal tax penalties for buying a non-qualifying plan
- End surprise billing to ensure transparency in pricing
- Transition Minnesota to the federal exchange, saving millions in overhead costs and improving user experience
More Choices
- Secure federal waiver to allow eligible Minnesotans to access tax credits off the MNsure exchange
- Grant flexibility to the Department of Commerce by allowing the commissioner to waive the five year waiting period for companies to re-enter the individual market—provided the commissioner decides it's in the best interest of consumers.