MNsure rates may not be revealed until October

As states prepare to enroll residents and businesses on benefits exchanges mandated by the Affordable Care Act, Minnesota decision-makers have yet to announce premium costs for MNsure.

While Minnesota was among the first states to implement elements of healthcare reform, including setting up an online benefits marketplace, MNsure will likely not reveal insurance rates until the exchange opens for enrollment in October.

Under state legislation, insurance companies must present premium proposals to the Department of Commerce if they intend to sell plans in the state. Minnesota Public Radio reported private benefits providers have already presented their plans and rates to exchange regulators, but the government is keeping the proposals it receives and approves or denies confidential. While Minnesota laws prevent the state from revealing which carriers have offered what plans, but Rep. Joe Atkins pointed out that premium rates can be publicized if insurers remain anonymous.

"I think if folks are hearing about the rates over the summer, that may intrigue them a bit," Atkins said.

Several other states have already publicized the premium cost options insurers intend to offer on their exchanges.