Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, named health insurance "Champion of Affordability"

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The Minnesota Council of Health Plans is honoring Sen. Gary Dahms, a Republican from Redwood Falls, for his commitment to keeping health insurance more affordable for Minnesotans. Senator Dahms was first elected in 2010 and is serving his 5th term in the Minnesota State Senate. Dahms recently announced he is not seeking re-election.

"Sen. Dahms has been a passionate champion for more affordable health insurance," said Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans. "He has made a huge difference for Minnesotans, and it's been an incredible pleasure to work with him over the past 16 years."

The state reinsurance program was created in 2017 and has lowered premiums 25% on average by covering a portion of the highest medical costs. The program lowered premiums by 47% in 2026 and has been credited with keeping tens of thousands of Minnesota covered with health insurance.