St. Paul, MN—Rep. Anna Wills, R-Apple Valley, 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 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 for many families, MNsure rates are going up by double-digits next year," Wills said. "President Obama and Minnesota Democrats promised hundreds, if not thousands in cost-savings for each family under Obamacare, but instead Minnesotans are paying more, have fewer choices, and are still footing the bill for more than $160 million for the MNsure website, bonuses for MNsure executives, and more."
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 is seeing a 17 percent average increase for 2015, meaning higher costs for thousands of Minnesotans.
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