RELEASE: Republican reforms help lower costs, expand choice for Minnesotans on the individual market

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 expand health care choices to Minnesota families—particularly in rural areas. 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.



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.



"Minnesotans put their trust in Republicans to lower health care costs, and today's news confirms that we're making good progress," said House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. "While there's still more work to be done to undo the damage of Obamacare and MNsure, it is clear Republican-led reforms have helped stabilize the individual health insurance market and reverse years of Democrats' double-digit premium increases."



According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 25 percent or higher without Republican reforms.



"These nationally-recognized reforms are helping Minnesotans on the individual market breathe a little easier today," added Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston, chief author of the reinsurance program. "It's encouraging to see that Republican efforts are helping to bring down costs and improve access for Minnesotans in every corner of the state."

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