Health care reforms championed by Senate Republicans during the 2017 legislative session have led to a dramatic reversal for Minnesota’s individual health care market, according to new numbers confirmed Monday by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

According to the Department of Commerce announcement, statewide rate changes for Minnesotans on the individual market in 2018 will range from a 38% decrease to a maximum 3% increase. Last year, premium rates increased as much as 67%. Additionally, every person who wants to buy insurance on the individual market will have that option, with insurers offering plans in every county and no caps on enrollment, unlike 2017.

Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) released the following statement:

“Health insurance costs have been on the minds of my constituents for years, and this session our new majorities in the legislature made it a priority to finally get things under control after years of inaction. I strongly supported reforms like the Minnesota Premium Security Plan and Emergency Premium Relief that have led to an astonishing reversal in health insurance costs. That means real, significant savings for families across Minnesota. There is still more work to be done, but this year was an important step in the right direction.”