Mayo’s Dominance Limits Choices In Southeast Minnesota

ROCHESTER (AP) - As Minnesota rolls out its health insurance exchange, residents in the southeastern part of the state are finding the costs are high and the options are few.

Experts say that's because the Mayo Clinic's dominance makes it an expensive market for any insurer to enter.

Sandra Toogood of Rochester says she checked MNsure and found just one option - a plan that costs more than she currently pays. Since she doesn't qualify for a federal tax subsidy, the mid-level plan on MNsure would cost her nearly $600 a month. In the Twin Cities, a comparable plan would cost less than $270.

Minnesota Department of Commerce officials say they're aware choice and costs may be a problem for some in Rochester and hope to change that.