Top State Lawmakers Seek Fixes For MNsure Rate Hikes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Some Minnesota lawmakers say big health care premium increases call for a special session.

Officials from both parties agree the rate increases on the individual market unveiled last week that range from 50 percent to 67 percent hikes are unsustainable. The state's top regulator has said the individual market is in a state of emergency, noting many companies had wanted to pull out.

But there are few easy answers to get costs or stability under control.

Republican Speaker Kurt Daudt calls it a crisis. He called on fellow legislators Wednesday to help come up with a fix. Democratic Minority Leader Paul Thissen agrees but doubts they can find a solution in the coming months.

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1 and ends soon after the Legislature's scheduled return early next year.