Minnesota Sees Rise in Uninsured Rate: A Call for Health Insurance Reform

The Minnesota Department of Health has reported a notable increase in the state's uninsured population, according to the latest Minnesota Health Access Survey. The uninsured rate in Minnesota climbed from 3.8% in 2023 to 5.8% in 2025, marking the highest rate since 2017 and adding approximately 116,000 individuals without health insurance. This surge in uninsurance reflects broader challenges in healthcare affordability and accessibility.

Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota Commissioner of Health, expressed concerns about the rise of uninsured residents and the persistent disparities in coverage by race and income. “For most people, health care is unaffordable without insurance,” Cunningham noted in a press release. The survey highlights a significant decline in public health coverage, which fell from 44.1% to 39.6%, exacerbating the issue of uninsured children, whose rate increased from 2.7% in 2023 to 4.6% in 2025.

Coverage disparities remain a critical challenge, with Hispanic Minnesotans reporting uninsured rates exceeding 20%, far above the state average. Black and American Indian populations also faced increased uninsured rates, now at 10.1% and 10.5%, respectively. Despite being below the overall state average, the uninsured rate for White Minnesotans rose from 2.5% to 3.8%. These disparities are further influenced by economic factors, as 13% of those earning below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines were uninsured in 2025.

Stefan Gildemeister, the state health economist, emphasized the ongoing affordability challenges, which are crucial concerns for residents and healthcare systems alike. The Minnesota Health Access Survey was conducted by MDH and SHADAC in late 2025, collecting responses from over 16,000 residents. This data continues to inform policy discussions on health insurance coverage within the state, with more detailed analyses expected to be released soon.