Dear Neighbor,
Just a quick roundup of some issues, starting with some good news we received on the health insurance front yesterday.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce on Monday released preliminary rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, revealing that reforms we led to enactment this year could end the four-year trend of double-digit premium increases since the implementation of Obamacare and MNsure in Minnesota.
The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.
If approved by the federal government, the Minnesota Premium Security Plan will result in premium decreases for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. In contrast, average rates increased by double digits every year since 2014, including nearly 60 percent for 2017. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 25 percent or more without the reforms we gained.
It is good that reforms we achieved this year finally are bringing an end to the string of double-digit premium increases that have strained family budgets in our state. That said, our job is not done and we will continue working to deliver premium relief. Final rates for the 2018 individual market are expected to be released in October 2017.
On another subject, a number of new laws take effect today. These changes are policy-related, following the finance changes that became law last month. A complete rundown of the new laws can be found by clicking here.
Lastly, today is National Night Out in America. I hope you are able to get out and enjoy some time with friends and neighbors. A new law we passed this year allows police departments and cities to raise and spend money for National Night Out events, so that should be helpful in putting on these gatherings.
Sincerely,
Paul