[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today convened a roundtable discussion with state leaders and health care experts to address the rising cost of health insurance in Minnesota. The discussion focused on the impacts of President Trump’s signature legislation, the “Big Beautiful Bill,” recently passed by the Republican-led Congress, and how its provisions are expected to raise health care costs across the state starting on January 1, 2026.

“Minnesota is home to some of the best health care systems in the world – something that we’re proud of. But Republican leadership in Washington is putting the affordability and reliability of that care at risk,” said Governor Walz. “President Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is driving up health insurance costs and threatening the stability of our health care system. We are going to keep fighting to protect affordability, preserve access, and make sure Minnesotans can receive the care they need without breaking the bank.”

Panelists highlighted how Minnesotans are likely to face steep premium increases and reduced access to coverage, with rural communities and small businesses expected to feel a disproportionate impact. Without federal action, enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire, raising health care costs for middle-class Minnesotans by an average of $2,000 per year.

“These policy choices don’t just raise premiums—they put real Minnesotans, from the metro to greater Minnesota, at risk,” said MNsure CEO Libby Caulum. "That’s why it’s more important than ever to start at MNsure to find the best coverage option available."

“These changes are real. For many Minnesotans, it could mean being forced to choose between paying for health insurance or covering essentials like groceries, rent, and child care,” said Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold.

Minnesota has acted to protect families and stabilize the market by extending the Minnesota Premium Security Plan (MPSP), a reinsurance program that offsets high-cost claims and stabilizes premiums. Without this program, 2026 premiums would have risen nearly 25 percent higher than projected. State leaders emphasized, however, that state efforts alone cannot fully offset the effects of harmful federal policy.

The roundtable included Governor Walz; Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold; Assistant Commissioner of Health Sub-Cabinet Ana Ashby; MNSure CEO Libby Caulum; ISAIAH Co-Executive Director JaNae Bates; Cindy VanDerPol, owner of Pastures A Plenty Farm; and Legislators.