EXCERPT: “Minnesotans buying health insurance next year can expect rates to remain stable or go down slightly, but those living in the southeast region will continue to face the highest rates in the state. The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced the 2018 rates for the individual insurance market on Monday. Statewide, premiums will range from an average increase of about 3 percent to a drop of more than 13 percent. Southeast Minnesota residents will continue to face steeply higher premiums than residents in other parts of the state. The monthly premium for a 40-year-old in a benchmark plan will be $595.72 in Olmsted County compared to $327.22 in Hennepin County. So why do residents in southeast Minnesota continue to face higher premiums than the rest of the state? Minnesota Department of Commerce spokesman Ross Corson said it comes down to a lack of competition.” FULLSTORY: http://bit.ly/2xUCZ8c
