Individual Health Insurance Market Update

Greetings,

I would like to encourage you to attend the Grand Re-Opening of our State Capitol from August 11th to the 13th. This event will be a celebration of the Capitol’s extensive, four year restoration. I am sure you and your whole family will appreciate the history of our State Capitol building and the beautiful craftsmanship. Activities include: a ribbon cutting, tours, live performances, a kid zone, fireworks, an ice cream social, a craft beer garden, and much more. Click here for more information.

Health Insurance Update:

On Monday, preliminary rates for the 2018 individual health insurance market were released by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, revealing betternews for ratepayers (click here for details on rate changes). The Minnesota Premium Security Plan that was passed this session will result in premium decreases for tens of thousands of Minnesotans who purchase health insurance from the individual market, if approved by the federal government. Since 2014, premium rates in Minnesota have been increasing by double digits annually, including almost 60% for 2017. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates could have risen by 25% or more if the Legislature would not have taken any action this session. Final rates for the 2018 individual market are expected to be released this fall.

Local Recognition:

Congratulations to Dan and Deb Walters Family (Big Stone County), Dave and Amy Staples Family (Douglas County), Dan and Kay Persons (Grant County), Emmert Family (Pope County), Lindor Farms, Incorporated (Stevens County), Beyer Family (Traverse County), and Jeff and Rebekah Christensen (Wilkin County) for being recognized as Farm Families of the Year! The Farm Family Recognition Program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension; the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Sciences; and the College of Veterinary Medicine, and recognizes families from Minnesota's 87 counties who have made significant contributions to Minnesota agriculture and their communities.

Also, congratulations to those farms being recognized as Century and Sesquicentennial Farms!