Dayton: Rebate is fastest way to address premium increases

Gov. Mark Dayton joined MPR News to talk about soaring health insurance premiums in Minnesota, and what to do about it.

People who buy individual or family health plans are facing huge price increases this coming year. Plans sold on MNsure or directly to consumers will have average rate hikes of as much as two thirds, depending on the carrier.

The price jumps affect only a small portion of Minnesota's population, about 5 percent. Most people have coverage through their employer or a government-subsidized program. But the size of the hikes has sparked concern and a political battle over what to do about it.

Last week, Gov. Dayton said he'd call lawmakers to St. Paul for a special session if they could agree on a plan by Nov. 1. He also proposed issuing rebates to Minnesotans who face big hikes but don't qualify for subsidies.