US EditionMinnesota health insurance rates to increase in 2026
Average premiums rise 22% for individuals and 14% for small groups as enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expire without Congressional extension.
- The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced on October 1 that health insurance rates for 2026 will increase significantly across the individual and small group markets.
- This announcement followed a federal government shutdown triggered in part by partisan disputes over expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits and Medicaid cuts.
- The approved average premium hikes include 30.76% for Medica, 27.48% for UCare, and 18.7% for Blue Cross, driven primarily by rising health care costs and ending enhanced tax credits.
- MNSure CEO Libby Caulum emphasized that while the organization can implement necessary system updates if Congress approves an extension of the ACA tax credits before the start of the year, the timeframe to do so is very limited with open enrollment beginning on November 1.
- Without an extension of the enhanced tax credits by Congress, nearly 90,000 Minnesotans are expected to encounter higher insurance premiums beginning January 1, potentially making coverage less affordable across the state.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Health insurance rates to sharply increase in 2026 for many Minnesotans
The Minnesota Department of Commerce on Wednesday announced the anticipated increase in health insurance rates for 2026 — a driving factor in the federal government shutdown that began at midnight. Under the new rates, Minnesotans covered through the individual market — Affordable Care Act plans accessed through the state’s health insurance marketplace — will see an average rate increase of 22% while those in small group plans purchased from ins…
Duluth News Tribune
Minnesota health insurance rates to increase in 2026
The Department of Commerce released finalized rates on Wednesday, with a 22% average increase for the individual market and a 14% increase for small group plans.
Minnesota health insurance rates ballooning in 2026
A patient goes to a physical therapy session at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles, La. Without congressional action, more than 7 million people who buy their health insurance on Affordable Care Act marketplaces will pay much higher premiums next year. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)Premiums for most health insurance plans purchased on the individual market will increase by 22% on average when open enrollment for 2026 begins Nov. …
Minnesota health insurance premiums will rise sharply in 2026
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has released the final rates for individual and small group health insurance plans for 2026. The average premium increase on the individual market will go up 22 percent, while the small group market sees a 14 percent increase. This is the most significant rate hike since 2017.
2026 Final Gross Rate Changes - Minnesota: +22.1% avg (up from 16.9%
Wed, 10/01/2025 - 6:50pmOriginally posted 6/19/25 via the Minnesota Commerce Dept: Federal policy shifts drive higher 2026 rates for individual and small group health plans State actions blunt increases tied to the reconciliation bills and policy direction of the federal government St. Paul, MN: Health insurers have submitted their proposed increased rates to the Minnesota Department of Commerce for 2026 plans available to Minnesotans who buy in…
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