Crookston, MINN— Health insurance premium rates through the failed $400 million MNsure website have reached historic levels. Preliminary rate increases were released through Healthcare.Gov on Thursday afternoon. Minnesota families and individuals who buy insurance on their own could pay an average increase around 60 percent, the highest average increase of any year since Governor Dayton and Democrats established MNsure.
Thursday’s preliminary rate increases are on top of increases of up to 17 percent and 49 percent in the past two years. Over 75 percent of people who buy health insurance on their own do not receive any financial assistance from MNsure.
Representative Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) released the following statement regarding the rate increases:
“Another year, another wasted opportunity to pass meaningful reforms that will rein in health care costs and address the ongoing problems with our exchange, MNsure. House Republicans pushed for a number of reforms over the past two years, but inaction by the Senate and Governor Dayton has contributed to skyrocketing rates once again. This is simply unaffordable for too many folks across the state, and I share their frustrations. I will continue to advocate for solutions that work for Minnesotans, increase choice and lower the costs of health care.”