Sounding the Alarm on Individual Health Insurance Market

Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman released details Friday, September 30, about the steep premium increases in the 2017 individual health care market Roughly five percent of Minnesotans who do not have access to employer-based health care coverage purchase coverage through the individual market.

The enrollment period for 2017 begins November 1, 2016 and runs through January 31, 2017. Noting the over 50 percent rate hikes, Commissioner Rothman pointed to serious and troubling trends in the individual health insurance marketplace, and urged legislators to take action to address the instability.

While acknowledging that the news is discouraging, MNsure CEO Allison O’Toole reminded Minnesotans that MNsure has trained staff available statewide to help with enrollment,. She said that over 100,000 Minnesotans are currently not taking advantage of the tax credits available by enrolling through MNsure.