For second year in a row, Republican reforms lead to lower health care costs
CHANHASSEN, MN—On Friday the Minnesota Department of Commerce
released preliminary rates for the 2019 individual insurance market, revealing that for the second consecutive year, Republican-led 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.
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.
“For the second straight year, Minnesotans have some positive news on health care as a result of Republican-led healthcare reforms," said Rep. Cindy Pugh (R-Chanhassen). "Following years of rates increases and canceled health plans under Obamacare, we've finally turned the tide—today's news is clear we're heading in the right direction. Our approach is truly making a difference and helping make Minnesota a nation leader once again on health care."
From 2014-2017, average rates increased by double digits every year, including nearly 60 percent for 2017. Thanks to Republican reforms enacted in 2017, individual market rates for 2018 remained flat or were reduced for most Minnesotans on the individual market. The Minnesota Department of Commerce confirmed last year that without Republican reforms,
rates would have risen by 20% or more.
Republicans also pushed for and successfully passed other key reforms to increase the number of health care options for Minnesotans by expanding agriculture co-op plans, and allowing more insurers into the market, a move that is
already paying dividends for seniors on Medicare and employees. Democrats pushed unsuccessfully during the 2018 session to eliminate these health plan options.