Democrats Add to Mounting Calls for Health Care Cost Fixes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Senate Democrats are calling on Gov. Mark Dayton to call a special session to address rising health care costs.

Democrats who control the Senate had planned a press conference Thursday afternoon to lay out their plans. It adds to the mounting pressure for the Legislature to step in after Election Day as premiums are set to rise in the individual market.

Rate increases for 2017 range from 50 percent to 67 percent for Minnesota residents who aren't covered through employers or public programs. Top state regulators have expressed concern that the market can't survive without fixes.

There is no shortage of proposed solutions but it's unclear whether Democrats and Republicans can come together. Dayton has said he won't discuss the possibility until after Election Day.