For the second year in a row, health insurance premiums on Minnesota’s individual insurance market are lower as a result of innovative reforms championed by Sen. Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) and passed by the legislature in early 2017. For the 2019 plan year, premiums will decrease by 7-12% on average, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. As reported by the Star Tribune, these results are unheard of in other states: An expert researcher at the Center for Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University told the paper, “I have yet to see a state report across-the-board decreases as Minnesota has.”

Sen. Gazelka responded to the news, “It’s gratifying to hear the reforms I pushed for are still working – health insurance will be more affordable for Minnesotans for the second year in a row. After years of double-digit increases, we’ve all seen the disastrous effects of a government takeover of health care. The government needs to get out of the way so Minnesotans can have more freedom over their own health care choices, and I will continue to work toward that goal.”

For the 2018 plan year, Republican reforms were responsible for up to a 38% reduction in rates. Insurers also offered plans in every county with no enrollment caps, unlike the prior year.

Republican legislation passed this May will continue to lower health care costs by giving families more transparent out-of-pocket cost information for doctor visits and common procedures, allowing them to make better choices for their health and their bank accounts.