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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Debra Kiel (R)

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Statement from Reps. Kiel and Fabian on 2018 Individual Insurance Rates

Monday, October 2, 2017

ST. PAUL, MN—On Monday the Minnesota Department of Commerce released final rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, confirming that Republican-led reforms helped reverse the four straight years of double-digit premium increases and helped to expand health care choices to Minnesota families—particularly in rural areas. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 20 percent or higher without Republican reforms. The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.

Over the past four years, premium rates increased by double digits every year, including nearly 60 percent just one year ago. As a result of the reinsurance program recently approved by the federal government, all current insurers will continue serving the individual market next year. In addition, Republicans successfully pushed to expand health care options and improve access to hospitals and doctors. As part of the reinsurance legislation, providers are now required to offer in-network access to more than one health care provider system in the counties in which they operate.

“House and Senate Republicans worked diligently this session, advancing reforms to check skyrocketing health insurance costs while also increasing accessibility. These meaningful reforms are working,” said Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston. “This is a huge turn-around after more than four years of double-digit premium increases, and I am pleased policies advanced this year are having a meaningful and positive impact.”

“Obamacare and our MNsure mess have hurt folks in Northwest Minnesota and across the state over the past several years. That’s why Republicans worked hard to craft real solutions to hold the line on costs for families, farmers, small businesses and individuals who purchase their own insurance,” said Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau. “While it’s still unclear what actions will be taken at the federal level, here in Minnesota we are stopping out-of-control premium increases.”

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.