Legislators in Minnesota's Senate approved a $300 million health insurance premium relief bill for residents who purchased individual health plans through the state's MNsure marketplace but are ineligible for government subsidies to offset premium hikes, Star Tribune reports.
Roughly 123,000 Minnesota residents who purchase ACA health plans without subsidy eligibility face premium increases of 50 percent or higher this year, according to the report.
The measure passed with a vote of 35 to 31, with Republican lawmakers leading support. House legislators are anticipated to vote on the bill in coming days, and a final plan will then be sent to Gov. Mark Dayton (DFL). However, Gov. Dayton opposes a late addition to the bill calling for the state to establish a reinsurance program to help cover payers' expenses for covering high-cost customers, according to the report.