Dayton, GOP legislators strike deal on insurance rebates

About 125,000 Minnesotans who face surging health insurance premiums can expect rebates funded by the state soon, thanks to a compromise finalized Wednesday between Gov. Mark Dayton and Republicans who control the Legislature.

The $326 million rebate plan has been the chief focus of activity at the State Capitol since lawmakers convened at the beginning of January. If the House and Senate pass it on Thursday as expected, Gov. Mark Dayton said he will sign it — giving both the DFL governor and Republican legislative majorities a bipartisan accomplishment early in the five-month legislative session.

The measure would provide a 25 percent discount to people who buy insurance on the individual market but do not receive federal subsidies. People in that group have seen their premiums rise by 50 percent or more this year. If the bill is signed this week, lawmakers said eligible insurance customers will likely start seeing the discounts on their bills by March or April. They’ll also get retroactive rebates for the first few months of the year.

The deal includes $15 million to help cover health insurance costs for people with any of a specific list of serious conditions who lose their coverage. It also makes a handful of other changes to health care laws, such as allowing for-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to operate in Minnesota and setting up a health care cooperative for farmers.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/dayton-gop-legislators-strike-deal-on-insurance-rebates/411810546/