St. Paul — Minnesota’s health‑insurance marketplace, MNsure, is preparing for a steep rise in premiums next year. The Department of Commerce released the finalized 2027 rates for both the individual and small‑group markets, and the numbers show average increases ranging from 9.9% to more than 21% for individuals and 10.6% to 21.4% for small groups.
Who is affected
About 203,000 Minnesotans purchase coverage through MNsure in the individual market, while roughly 184,000 rely on the marketplace for small‑group plans. The impact will vary by plan choice, geographic rating area, age, renewal date and eligibility for subsidies, the department noted.
Reinsurance program eases the blow
MNsure’s Premium Security Plan, a state‑run reinsurance program adopted in 2017, is credited with dramatically reducing the overall cost increase. Without the program, the department estimates the statewide average premium rise would have been nearly 58%. Thanks to the reinsurance safety net, the average increase is projected at 17.4%.
Regional differences
Southeastern Minnesota will continue to see the highest rates. In Olmsted County, a 40‑year‑old buying the second‑lowest‑cost silver plan can expect to pay close to $700 per month. Adding a child pushes the monthly cost above $1,200. By contrast, the same coverage in Hennepin and Ramsey counties averages around $840 per month.
What families can do
Consumers should review their plan options early, consider whether they qualify for subsidies, and compare rates across rating areas. The department encourages shoppers to use the MNsure website’s calculator tools to gauge potential out‑of‑pocket costs before enrollment opens on November 1.
Looking ahead
The premium increases reflect broader national trends in health‑care costs, but Minnesota’s reinsurance approach demonstrates a proactive state effort to protect families from runaway price spikes. Lawmakers and the governor’s office have expressed support for maintaining and strengthening the program, arguing it aligns with the state’s commitment to affordable health care for all residents.
As the enrollment period approaches, Minnesotans are urged to stay informed, seek assistance from certified enrollment counselors, and weigh all available options to secure the most affordable coverage for their needs.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
