MN officials look to release health exchange overview

Minnesota state officials are faced with whether the state should release a health insurance exchange summary before October.

The Minnesota Post recently reported policymakers are considering how to provide an overview of MNsure before enrollment begins in the fall. Current state legislation is making it difficult for agency officials to provide substantial information for individuals and employers to create a plan before the exchange opens. According to The Minnesota Post, the state has a law that prohibits health insurance rates from being disclosed before insurers are able to finalize prices.

The newspaper reported State Rep. Joe Atkins wrote a letter to Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman in June asking if the department would release information.

"I think it's appropriate and desirable and legal to share the summary or at least a range of rates that will be available on the MNsure exchange," Atkins said.

With the health exchange program created to be a benefit for individuals and small businesses, The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Minnesota's commerce department is examining whether it can release information as soon as possible, despite legislative blocking. The Minnesota Post reported if an overview is presented, it will most likely come in August.