So it should come as no surprise to our readers that Minnesota has just announced that 2017 Obamacare rates have been set and are expected to soar nearly 60% on average. 

Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman posted a letter to the state's website saying that the state succeeded in preserving the exchanges for one more year by agreeing to massive rate hikes but warned they are on the "verge of collapse."  The letter goes on to describe Minnesota's healthcare rate environment as "unsustainable and unfair" and notes that "middle-class Minnesotans" are being "crushed by the heavy burden of these costs."

"Last year at this time when rates were announced, I said there was a serious need for reform in Minnesota's individual market," said Rothman. "This year the need for reform is now without any doubt even more serious and urgent."