Overview

• State regulators finalized 2026 increases of about 22% for individual-market premiums and 14% for small-group plans, the largest jump since 2017.
• Federal projections show Minnesota’s average Medicare Advantage premium rising nearly 18% for 2026 even as the national average is expected to drop about 14%.
• Insurers are retrenching: UCare will exit Medicare Advantage statewide, UnitedHealthcare will stop selling in 45 of 72 counties and close five plans, and Humana will cut to 36 counties and suspend two $0-premium options.
• Consumer disruption looms with at least 158,000 UCare members affected, potential switching rates of 30% versus the usual 3%, and reduced agent commissions and in-person assistance.
• Minnesota’s reinsurance program tempered rate pressure that officials say would have been 47% higher, while uncertainty over enhanced ACA tax credits could raise bills for nearly 90,000 and eliminate aid for over 19,000 in 2026; key enrollment windows run Oct. 15–Dec. 7 and start Nov. 1.