Dear Friends,
As you may have heard, insurance rates for MNsure and the individual insurance market were released yesterday by the Department of Commerce. Unfortunately insurance premiums are continuing to rise with 2016 rates going up by anywhere between 14-49%. This is likely going to mean higher costs or headaches for families on the individual market or who get their insurance through MNsure as they try to find a new plan.
It's important to remember that only a small percentage of people get their insurance through the individual market or through MNsure. Nonetheless, it's going to have real consequences for families, and may mean tough choices ahead as people weigh whether to keep their current plan or shift to a lower cost plan to fit their budget. I hope to see legislation next year that will help reverse the trend of rising premiums. It's going to take some major work at the state and federal level. If you have thoughts or ideas on this issue, please send me an email at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn. All input is welcome!
Around Town
I wanted to wish congratulations to the Albert Lea High School girls swim team on their incredible season. I got to attend their meet last night to watch the team take on Rochester Century. They're undefeated and the second best team in the state. Way to go! The Albert Lea Tribune had a nice editorial about their season recently which you can read here.
I'm looking forward to attending the Big Island Rendezvous in Albert Lea this weekend! Colter and I will be out there Saturday afternoon. The Rendezvous is my favorite yearly event in Albert Lea. I love history, and especially early American and Native American history, which is what the Rendezvous reenacts. This is an award winning event and the largest early America & fur-trade "living history" reenactment. It's been named among the top 20 events and festivals in MN and in the top 100 for the nation. Hope to see you there, feel free to stop me and chat if you see me! Find more information and event details here.
Have a great weekend, and enjoy the fall weather!
Peggy
Peggy Bennett
State Representative, District 27A
651-296-8216