Our current representatives have consistently failed to acknowledge and correct numerous problems with MNsure. Signs of their failures are discriminatory premiums and the discontinuance of PreferredOne in MNsure. PreferredOne pulled out of MNsure exchange because it was “not sustainable” financially or administratively. According to KSTP, PreferredOne leaving MNsure will have a major impact. PreferredOne insured 59 percent of Minnesotans on the exchange, forcing nearly 30,000 people to transition to another MNsure plan, or lose eligibility for government subsidies. Minnesotans will likely be forced to pay higher rates for health care with fewer choices.

According to AARP, premiums may be up to 300 percent higher depending on where you live in the USA. Current premiums show that southeastern Minnesota suffers from very high insurance. Minnesotans have been misled regarding the severity of these problems and our representatives ignored warnings about MNsure’s viability long term. Our current state and federal representatives had opportunities to properly oversee and correct discriminatory prices and problems in our insurance markets by working with Gov. Mark Dayton, the Department of Health and the insurance commissioner.

But they failed miserably. We wrote numerous letters to our representatives, Gov. Dayton and these departments about inequities in this area’s insurance market. They failed to act. To see inequities in the insurance market, check premiums here and premiums for zip codes in Minneapolis-St Paul and surrounding counties. Check the eight rural counties in northwest Minnesota; they have much lower premiums than the premiums charged in this southern Minnesota, Region 1.

Premiums available to local businesses for employer-based group insurance policies are substantially higher than premiums available for individuals on MNsure. Some businesses were quoted about $5,000 higher per employee per year with nearly identical coverage (of prior policies) and no new “usable” benefits for existing employees. In other words, an employer with 20 employees could see their costs increase by $100,000 per year, just for health insurance, possibly with no new “usable” benefits. This is discriminatory and these high premiums will significantly and adversely affect business development and growth in our region; in addition to affecting individuals who may not be eligible for government subsidies.

Based on statistics in AARP, health insurance premiums in southeastern Minnesota (Region 1), are significantly higher than Minneapolis-St Paul and surrounding counties. Eight rural counties in northwest Minnesota have premiums similar to Twin Cities, which are much lower than premiums charged here. Therefore the rural nature of our communities does not prevent our area from enjoying the same low insurance premiums these other rural counties have. Minnesota regulators have merely failed to properly regulate our insurance market.

This discriminatory health cost issue is already causing proposed increases in local taxes. Freeborn County commissioners mentioned $381,000 cost increase because of health insurance regulations; (Albert Lea Tribune 09-16-2014 article: “County considers 4 percent tax increase”).

It is time for a change. Vote for Peggy Bennett.

 

Catherine Sippel

Albert Lea