Dear Neighbors,
You’ve probably seen that Minnesota’s Obamacare exchange, MNsure, is making headlines and, again, it’s not good news for Minnesotans. The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced last week that those insured through MNsure will see a massive increase in their rates – between 14% and 49%, on average. This is on top of an average 41% increase of rates last year.
We debated this issue in 2013 and Republicans foresaw the current problems of today. Not only do we continue to see technical glitches and website problems, but now, for the second straight year, Minnesotans are set to pay considerably more to stay on their insurance. I still remember the debate on the House floor where Democrats promised lower rates, even stating it would save as much as $500 per year. Our residents aren’t receiving lower monthly payments or even rates that remain the same. Instead, they’re faced with the prospect of switching plans, doctors, or cutting out other aspects of they’re life. Minnesota family budgets simply can’t afford this steep, unexpected expense.
Last session, Republican representatives worked to improve this situation by passing legislation to increase competition in the insurance market in an effort to lower costs. Unfortunately, Governor Dayton and Democrats refused to admit MNsure’s shortcomings which left us in the same cycle of rising costs on Minnesotans. Now we have to ask, when is enough, enough?
The 2016 legislative session will be here before we know it. I hope that Democrats will listen to their constituents who are undoubtedly struggling with the increased costs. We will continue to work toward reforming or repealing MNsure in an effort to give Minnesotans the affordable health insurance they were promised two years ago. There’s lots to do and I hope Democrats will be willing to work with Republicans to provide affordable insurance for our state.
If you would like to contact me about this or any other issue, please call 651-296-4231 or email me at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
Best,
Peggy