2027 Rate Changes - Minnesota: +11.9% indy, +15.1% sm. group (preliminary)

via the Minnesota Commerce Dept:

Individual Market Proposed Average Rate Changes for Plan Year 2027 

The summary table below provides an overview of the proposed average rate changes from 2026 in the individual health insurance market, as reported by the insurers.  

It is important to note these are the initial rates proposed by the insurers and filed with the Departments. Rates are subject to review and approval by the Departments, and the final approved rates may vary from these proposed rates for many reasons.  

Additionally, the actual rate change a consumer will experience in 2027 can vary from the average – with factors such as specific plan, geographic rating area, and age playing a major role. 

...Aspirus Health Plan will be new to the exchange for Plan Year 2027. While UCare individual plans were supported throughout Plan Year 2026 to ensure a smooth transition for Minnesotans after the company was acquired by Medica, UCare plans will no longer be available in Plan Year 2027.

Thanks to my friend Louise Norris for calling my attention to this last point: While Ucare plans will no longer be available, it's not because they're pulling out of the state...the company was bought out by Medica, which presumably means that Ucare's ~28,000 exchange enrollees in Minnesota will be shifted to Medica plans instead and should still be counted as part of the annual weighted rate change calculation.

Minnetonka, MN. – Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health company serving more than 1.4 million members across eight states, announced the successful completion of its acquisition of certain contracts and assets from UCare, effective January 1, 2026.

The closing of the transaction marks a significant milestone in strengthening access, stability and service for individuals, families and healthcare providers throughout Minnesota.

“This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring stability and continuity for the communities we’re proud to serve,” said Lisa Erickson, CEO of Medica. “We look forward to serving our new members as we work toward our long-term strategies to advance affordability, quality and community-based care in Minnesota.”

The transaction was completed in accordance with state and federal requirements. Medica had announced a definitive agreement to acquire certain UCare assets and contracts in November.

As part of the agreement, individuals enrolled in UCare’s 2026 Medicaid and Individual and Family Plans will continue to receive services without interruption. All 2026 plans will be administered by Medica, but the plans themselves will be UCare Community Health Plan (UCHP) plans for 2026. Providers or members with questions are encouraged to visit Medica.com or  for more information.

Unfortunately the actual rate filing forms aren't available for Minnesota carriers yet, so I've had to estimate the weighted market share based on ON-EXCHANGE enrollment only (see table below) via the MNsure March 2026 board of directors meeting presentation.

Assuming off-exchange enrollment is similar proportionately between the carriers, they're asking for weighted average rate increases of 11.9%

IMPORTANT: Remember that these are for unsubsidized enrollees only.

Small Group Market Proposed Average Rate Changes for Plan Year 2027

The summary table below provides an overview of the proposed average rate changes from 2026 in the small group health insurance market, as reported by the insurers.  

It is important to note these are the initial rates proposed by the insurers and filed with the Departments. Rates are subject to review and approval by the Departments, and the final approved rates may vary from these proposed rates for many reasons. 

Additionally, the actual rate change a consumer will experience in 2027 can vary from the average – with factors such as specific plan, geographic rating area, age, and renewal date playing a major role.

Again, without the actual rate filing documents I have no idea what the actual effectuated enrollment numbers are for MN's small group carriers, but the unweighted average increase being requested is 15.1%: