SAINT PAUL, MINN— On Friday, the Minnesota Department of Commerce revealed final MNsure rates will increase 50 percent or more, on top of the increases of up to 17 percent and 49 percent Minnesotans have faced over the past two years.
Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Commerce approved enrollment caps that will limit Minnesotans' access to federal financial assistance and their ability to find health care coverage. Enrollment caps limit the number of new enrollees for certain insurers who sell insurance on the individual market. Due to MNsure's inability to accurately process applications in a timely manner, Minnesotans who attempt to enroll through MNsure could be left without coverage through no fault of their own. Those who enroll directly with an insurer typically receive confirmation of coverage immediately.
“House Republicans have offered a number of meaningful reforms to lower health care costs for Minnesotans and address our broken health care exchange, MNsure,” said Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau). “Unfortunately, Obamacare supporters continue to prop up MNsure and ignore its serious flaws which leaves folks in Northwest Minnesota facing another year of significant premium increases. It’s unaffordable, and I am extremely frustrated for the families and individuals in our community affected by these rate hikes and enrollment caps.”
“Is this how it’s going to be every year with Minnesotans seeing their health care costs skyrocket while MNsure supporters oppose implementing needed reforms, refusing to address the failures of our health care exchange?” asked Rep. Deb Kiel (R-Crookston). “House Republicans have put forth a number of proposals to address climbing health care costs that are simply unaffordable for too many folks across the state. I will continue to advocate for solutions that work for Minnesotans, increase consumer choice and lower the costs of health care.”
On Friday, Republicans including Rep. Fabian and Rep. Kiel also sent a letter to Governor Dayton demanding immediate action on a law signed by him in 2015 requiring the Department of Commerce to seek a waiver that would allow Minnesotans to access tax credits off of the MNsure exchange. Over 75 percent of people who buy health insurance on their own do not receive any financial assistance from MNsure, undermining MNsure's claims that tax credits will offset massive rate increases.