Ouch! AFP Reacts to Obamacare Rate Hikes

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Today Americans for Prosperity Minnesota, the state’s foremost advocate against Obamacare’s overburdensome regulations, responded to news that rate hikes as high as 49% have been approved for health insurance plans purchased in Minnesota's individual market, thanks in large part, to Obamacare.

Average rates will increase between 14 and 49 percent according the Minnesota Department of Commerce — a rate hike that will affect roughly 320,000 Minnesotans.

State Director Jason Flohrs released the following statement:

“There’s no way around it: President Obama broke his promise to the people of Minnesota,” said Flohrs. "President Obama promised that Obamacare would help lower premiums, but now five years into its implementation its becoming clearer and clearer that this just isn’t the case.”

“It’s been a crushing burden for thousands of Minnesotans and their families who have suffered through cancelled plans, lost access to trusted doctors, and been slammed with skyrocketing premium hikes. Evidence is mounting that this just isn’t the solution to the quality, affordable health care that the President promised, and Minnesota should take notice.”

President Obama Said That Healthcare Premiums Will Decrease Through Obamacare

President Obama: “Your Premiums Will Go Down.” “‘So when you hear about the Affordable Care Act — Obamacare — and I don’t mind the name because I really do care. That’s why we passed it. You should know that once we have fully implemented, you’re going to be able to buy insurance through a pool so that you can get the same good rates as a group that if you’re an employee at a big company you can get right now — which means your premiums will go down.’” (Glenn Kessler, “President Obama’s Claim That Insurance Premiums ‘Will Go Down,’” The Washington Post, 8/10/12)

In Minnesota, Healthcare Premiums Are Surging By As Much as 49%

Minnesota Department of Commerce: Rates Will Increase By As Much As 49% "State officials say Minnesotans buying health coverage through MNsure will pay between 14 percent and 49 percent more on average next year." ("Minnesotans buying health coverage through MNsure could pay up to 49 percent more next year," The Associated Press, 10/1/15)

A change that hikes rates for 320,000 Minnesotans "Insurers say they’ve lost money in the individual market, where about 320,000 Minnesotans were buying insurance as of June." (Christopher Snowbeck, The Star Tribune, 10/1/15)