Originally 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 individual or small group health insurance through MNsure or directly through insurers. These proposed rates apply to coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026, with open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, 2025. Federal policy shifts are driving uncertainty in the market, which is contributing to higher proposed rates. Provisions in the House-passed and Senate-proposed reconciliation bills eliminate the ability of thousands of Minnesotans to automatically renew their insurance, raise out-of-pocket costs for consumers, and lower the overall value of the insurance plans sold on the market. Consumers will also experience higher prices if, as currently laid out in the reconciliation bills, the programs offering additional financial help to reduce monthly premium costs are allowed to expire.