Big Premium Hikes Proposed for Minnesota Health Plans

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Eight Minnesota health plans have proposed big premium increases for 2016, ranging from 11 to 74 percent.

The rate increases are only proposals for now and must be approved by state regulators before they can be finalized. But Minnesota Public Radio reports the proposals drew an angry response from Gov. Mark Dayton.

The governor calls the proposed rate increases "outrageous" given that Minnesota's health care costs have been increasing by only 3 percent. He says they need a "rigorous review" before they become final Oct. 1.

Some of the policies will be offered through MNsure, the state health insurance exchange. The proposed increases do not include any potential government subsidies paid to offset the costs.

The proposed rates were posted Wednesday on the federal website healthcare.gov.