ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are welcoming news that prices on Minnesota's health insurance exchange may be released ahead of schedule.

Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday announced plans to publish MNsure rates by Oct. 1. Republicans had criticized his administration for not committing to release rates before election day.

Rates must be published before open enrollment on Nov. 15, but can be released earlier if all health plans agree. Rates were published almost a month early last year.

Rep. Tara Mack, an Apple Valley Republican on a MNsure oversight panel, says it's a good idea but thinks the decision should have been made sooner.

The Department of Commerce recently received rate proposals from health plans. A department representative says he's confident they can agree on rates in time for an Oct. 1 release.

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