MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota health insurers are proposing rate increases of 36 percent to 66 percent for most policies sold to individuals for 2017.

Seven carriers have filed rate proposals for 2017, down from eight last year. That’s because Blue Cross Blue Shield is pulling out of the individual market except for its Blue Plus HMO plans.

Most increases range from 36 percent for some Blue Plus plans to 66 percent for UCare and certain other Blue Plus plans.

The steep increases were expected because the costs of providing health care to patients who buy on the individual market and other states have outstripped the premiums they pay.

The increases affect only the 5 percent of Minnesotans who get their coverage on the individual market, including those who use the state-run MNsure exchange.

“It’s discouraging to once again see health costs rising for Minnesota families,” said District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea. “We need to continue working to lower costs by reducing the tax on MNsure plans and eliminating waste and fraud in our public health programs. It’s imperative that we work in a bipartisan manner to expand access to quality, affordable health care for Minnesota families.”