ST. PAUL, MN—On Monday the Minnesota Department of Commerce released preliminary rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, revealing that Republican-led reforms 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. As a result of the reinsurance program, all current insurers will continue serving the individual market next year. In addition to the reinsurance program, Republicans successfully pushed for consumer protections that will provide access to better networks of hospitals and doctors.
These reforms were supported by just one Democrat in the Minnesota House. Governor Dayton refused to sign the measure, opting to let it become law without his signature.
"Minnesota Republicans kept our promise to fight for lower costs and better access to care for families," said House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. "More work remains, but we hope this ends double-digit increases that Democrats brought to Minnesota with Obamacare and MNsure. This puts our state on track to again be a national leader in health care."
According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 25 percent or more without Republican reforms. On Monday, Speaker Daudt is sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price urging approval of the required waiver from the federal government needed to allow the reinsurance program to proceed.
"I appreciate the Dayton Administration's willingness to work with the Trump Administration on gaining approval for the reinsurance program. Despite the dead weight of MNsure, we are moving forward with Minnesota-made reforms," added Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, chief author of the reinsurance program.
"If Democrats had their way, today we'd be looking at another year of massive increases of 25 percent or more," Speaker Daudt concluded. "We know Obamacare’s impact is still hurting Minnesota families, but we’re proud to take initial steps toward stabilizing the market, lowering costs, and successfully keeping all insurers in the individual market for next year."
Final rates for the 2018 individual market are expected to be released in October 2017.
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