Differing Views on 2015 MNsure Rates

Minnesota residents interested in purchasing their health insurance through the state’s exchange, called MNsure, will find the new 2015 rates varying from a 9 percent reduction to a 17 percent increase as compared to their current plans, according to state figures released Wednesday, October 1. The overall average, according to Dept. of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, is an increase of 4.5 percent; however, Republican leaders cited the figure as misleading.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that Minnesota still has the lowest rates in the nation," said Rothman. "...the range is from a decrease of over 9 percent to increases of 1.8 percent, 8 percent and 17 percent," he stated. Governor Mark Dayton said he was pleased with the rates. "At worst, it's a very modest increase, and in places such as Southeastern Minnesota, it will be a significant reduction." he added.

Senate Republican Leader David Hann described the 4.5 percent rate increase as bogus and deceptive. "The fact that 60 percent of the people on MNsure were in the low cost plan, and we know that those rates went up 22 percent, that tells me the average rate of increase that a consumer will pay for insurance will be much, much higher than four and one-half."

Earlier this year, PreferredOne announced that it will not participate in MNsure for 2015. However, the department announced that MNsure will continue to have five companies competing for customers, because Blue Plus filed rates as a newcomer to the state health insurance exchange.