Go back to sleep, kids

Sure, MNSure is a trainwreck and the provider that had well over half the business on the exchange won't be participating this time around, and yes, the rates are going up, but it's really not so bad because we're still cheaper than other unnamed states and go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep:

The cost of insurance on the MNsure health exchange is on the rise, state officials said Wednesday, though premium rates in the Twin Cities will remain lower than in many parts of the country.

The average premium increase for companies continuing to offer policies on MNsure next year will be 4.5 percent, according to numbers released Wednesday by the state Commerce Department.

4.5 percent isn't so bad, except that you're talking about 4.5 percent more on plans that people weren't buying. You have to read on to learn the real number:

But the absence in 2015 of low-cost provider PreferredOne, which recently pulled out of the market, likely means bigger increases for many shoppers.

For example, a 25-year-old in the Twin Cities could get a “bronze” policy from Pre­ferredOne for $91 per month this year, but the cheapest option next year jumps to $110.

That would be a 20.8% increase in premium costs. State rep Nick Zerwas posted a handy chart on his Facebook page that lays out the real numbers:

What you have to remember is that 60% of MNSure customers chose PreferredOne. You can't get that any more. But go back to sleep.