Nationally Recognized MN Premium Security Plan Reverses Double-Digit Premium Hikes
ST. PAUL, MN—On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released final rates for the 2019 individual insurance market. For the second consecutive year, Republican-led reforms have proven to help reduce or hold flat individual market health insurance rates after years of double-digit increases following the implementation of Obamacare in Minnesota.
All five of the carriers on the individual market are lowering premiums for 2019, with average rates dropping between 7.4 percent and 27.7 percent. For example, in Northwest Minnesota a family of four could save $3,372 and a 60-year-old could save $2,868 next year as a result of Republican reforms compared to two years ago. The individual market serves Minnesotans who buy health insurance on their own, not through an employer or the government.
“This was about pushing back against the harmful effects of Obamacare and advancing real reforms to lower health care costs for folks across the state,” said Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau. “Republicans have looked at what will really work to help Minnesotans who purchase their own insurance, and we are seeing another year of significantly lower costs that will help save folks money and make health care more accessible and affordable.”
“Improving and protecting access to care, lowering costs and putting an end to annual double-digit premium increases—that’s what our meaningful health care reforms did for Minnesotans,” said Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston. “When folks go to purchase health insurance coverage for themselves and their family on the individual market, they will see on average significantly lower costs, and that’s a real win for folks in our area who have been hurt by our state’s MNsure mess.”
From 2014-2017, average rates increased by double digits every year, including up to 67 percent for 2017. Thanks to Republican reforms enacted in 2017, individual market rates for 2018 remained flat or were reduced for most Minnesotans on the individual market. The Minnesota Department of Commerce confirmed last year and this year that without Republican reforms, rates would have risen by 20 percent or more.
The nationally recognized, Republican-led 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.
Republicans also pushed for and successfully passed other key reforms to increase the number of health care options for Minnesotans by expanding agriculture co-op plans, and allowing more insurers into the market, a move that is already paying dividends for seniors on Medicare and employees. Democrats pushed unsuccessfully during the 2018 session to eliminate these health plan options.