ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _  Minnesotans who buy health coverage on their own should see slight rate increases and even some dropping prices next year.

State regulators unveiled final rates for the individual market on Monday that range from a 3 percent increase to a 13 percent decrease, on average. It follows years of double-digit premium hikes in Minnesota, causing concern last year that the individual market may collapse.

Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman says the lower rates are a
sign of stability. He credits a new, $549 million reinsurance program that will help insurers lower costs over the next two years.

Just 4 percent of Minnesota residents buy coverage on the individual market, which includes shoppers on the state health insurance exchange called MNsure. Open enrollment begins Nov. 1.

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