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.
Rep. Marion O’Neill, R-Maple Lake, released the following statement regarding Monday's rate announcement:
MNsure and Obamacare have hurt Wright County families, farmers, small business owners and individuals who purchase their own insurance. Premiums skyrocketed year after year, leaving many Minnesotans struggling to afford their insurance and provide for their family. That’s why Republican led the way to address our MNsure mess, advancing policies that will lower rates for thousands of Minnesotans in 2018. That’s great news considering just last year, rates rose by nearly 60 percent.
I am pleased that these Republican-led reforms are having a meaningful impact, and I will continue to advocate for commonsense policy at the state-level to improve affordability, access and choice for Minnesotans who purchase their own insurance. .
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.
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