ST. PAUL, MN—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.
Premiums in the MNsure exchange have risen in each of the three years new prices have been set, but the current hike is projected to be the largest once updated prices are finalized in the coming weeks.
"It's discouraging to once again see health costs rising for Minnesota families,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea. "We need to continue working to lower costs by reducing the tax on MNsure plans and eliminating waste and fraud in our public health programs. It's imperative that we work in a bipartisan manner to expand access to quality, affordable health care for Minnesota families."
In 2016, Bennett voted to reduce the MNsure tax which would have saved families at least $22 million over the next three years. The measure passed the House, but was vocally opposed by Democrat legislators and was not enacted.
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