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 today 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 Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) released the following statement:

“It was only a year ago that Gov. Dayton’s administration acknowledged Minnesota’s health insurance market was on the brink of collapse. Families across the state were facing dire circumstances, with premiums jumping as much as 67% last year alone. Republicans promised to fix it, and after only one session we’ve made significant progress. Thanks to Republican reforms, small business owners, farmers, and families on the individual market are already seeing real relief, and now it’s confirmed things are going to get better again next year. We still have work to do, but I’m proud we were able to begin delivering on our promise to Minnesotans so quickly.”