ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Commerce today shared 2027 rates for Minnesotans who buy small-group and individual health insurance. These rates were proposed by health insurers and apply to coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027, with open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, 2026.

2027 health insurance rates

• Individual market: Average increases range from 9.9 to 21.1 percent for approximately 203,000 Minnesotans who buy insurance in the individual market.
• Small group market: Average increases range from 10.6 to 21.4 percent for approximately 184,000 Minnesotans covered by small group plans.

Health insurers — not the Department of Commerce — establish the rates they want to charge. Each year, insurers submit proposed rates and supporting data to Commerce for regulatory review. Commerce examines those filings to determine whether the proposed rates are supported by evidence and that health plans comply with state and federal consumer protection requirements.

Full details of the final insurance rates for the 2027 individual and small group market are available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.

Final rates are reflective of savings generated through Minnesota's Premium Security Plan, also known as reinsurance. To help stabilize high health insurance premiums in the individual insurance market, Minnesota established a state-run reinsurance program in 2017. This program reduces premiums and increases the affordability of health insurance in Minnesota's individual health insurance market.

The average final rate change for 2027 was 17.4 percent. Without the reinsurance program, the average final rate change proposed by health insurers was 57.9 percent. For plan year 2027, recent legislation will require group health carriers to pay an assessment to cover the portion of the program currently paid by the state.

"Health insurance increases are concerning for many Minnesotans," said Julia Dreier, Minnesota Department of Commerce temporary commissioner. "Rising costs reflect broad changes across our health care system, including the prices of medical visits and prescription drugs, Minnesotans using more care, and the growing role of profit-driven entities in the delivery and financing of care. Health insurance is not a luxury; it's something families rely on. That is why we will continue to scrutinize the rates insurers propose, ensure consumers are treated fairly and work to make health insurance more affordable through state initiatives like the reinsurance program."

The final rates do not reflect what the actual cost will be for consumers. Actual premiums paid by consumers will vary due to factors including plan selection, geographic rating area, age, renewal date, and eligibility for subsidies.

Many Minnesotans who buy health insurance through MNsure, Minnesota's official health insurance marketplace, receive financial assistance through tax credits that help lower the cost of their monthly premium.

"MNsure is the only place Minnesotans can shop and compare individual health plans and access tax credits that could lower the cost of their health insurance," MNsure Chief Executive Officer Libby Caulum said. "The plans you find on MNsure.org all offer important consumer protections and provide essential health benefits that Minnesotans deserve, including preventive care, emergency services and outpatient care."

Once 2027 plans are finalized on Oct. 15, consumers can go directly to MNsure.org to find the right plan for their families and household budget. The online shop and compare tools allow consumers to choose between similar plans and premiums from Minnesota-approved carriers. They can also find free assistance from a certified health insurance broker or navigator through the online locater tools or call MNsure directly at 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities).

Tax credits and cost savings are still available for those who meet income and enrollment guidelines. Dec. 15 is the deadline to enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027. Jan. 15, 2027, is the deadline to enroll for coverage starting Feb. 1, 2027.

Connect with the Minnesota Commerce Department

Stay informed by visiting mn.gov/commerce or following @MNCommerce on social media.

Contact

Jen Longaecker | Media Relations and Public Affairs Director
Minnesota Department of Commerce
news.commerce@state.mn.us

Rick Fuentes | Communications Manager
MNsure
rick.fuentes@state.mn.us