As we shared last week, the Minnesota Department of Commerce released the final rates and plans for the individual market for plan year 2026 on October 1. Analysis of the final rate release information shows that the average rate increase is 22% for the 187,000 Minnesotans who buy insurance through the individual market. Consumers are expected to see costs rise as the enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of 2025. MNsure estimates that 46% of MNsure enrollees will be eligible for advanced premium tax credits in 2026. Eligible households will save an average of $600 per month. 

A few important items to note for 2026:

• Quartz will no longer offer plans in Olmsted County. All enrolled consumers will need to shop for a new plan to stay enrolled in 2026. 
• No catastrophic plans will be offered on MNsure. All existing catastrophic enrollees will be cross walked to bronze plans offered by their health insurance company. 
• All Easy Compare plans will offer a new benefit for 2026: four free office visits (with no co-pay) as part of the pre-deductible coverage.
• For plan year 2026, all bronze plans are now health savings account (HSA) eligible.  

Beginning Monday, October 13, Minnesotans can start previewing plans available through MNsure for 2026 using the anonymous Shop and Compare tool on MNsure.org.