BISMARCK, N.D. — Minnesota-based health insurer Medica plans to leave North Dakota’s health insurance exchange in 2018.

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread said Thursday that Medica does not intend to sign an agreement with the federal government to offer individual health insurance through the North Dakota exchange next year.

Godfread said Medica cites the uncertainty over cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act. The federal government makes those payments to insurance carriers to help low-income customers with out-of-pocket costs, such as co-payments and deductibles.

Medica asked the North Dakota Insurance Department to approve premium rates for 2018 assuming cost-sharing reductions would not be paid. But the department declined.

Minnetonka-based Medica said it remains hopeful it could be available on North Dakota’s exchange next year if the federal government provides clarity.