Health CareFriday, November 13
🩺Insurers propose a 22.2% average hike for Washington individual health plans in 2027
6The Daily Olympia teamFrom today’s edition · 1 min read · 2 sources
If you buy your own health insurance, here's a number to know: carriers have proposed an average 22.2% rate increase for individual plans in Washington next year. It would be the third straight year of double-digit hikes, and The Seattle Times says it's the second-highest on record for the state.
Washington's proposed 2027 hike tops the national average
Sources: Washington Retail Association, The Seattle Times
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Washington proposed | 22.2% |
| National projected | 13% |
Nearly 250,000 Washingtonians buy individual coverage, and the enhanced federal tax credits that helped offset costs have expired. State exchange data show enrollment in individual plans fell over the past year, as some people switch to less comprehensive plans with higher out-of-pocket costs or drop coverage.
36,500fewer people in individual plans over the past year
That's nearly 13%, according to state exchange data.
Source: Washington Retail Association
- Insurers' reasons: inflation, drug prices, costlier medical technology
- Approval rule: commissioner must approve rates that are mathematically justified
- One freelance grant writer: $633 a month now, nearly $800 in 2027
“People are making choices between seeking healthcare, staying insured, and other things that are critical to them living their lives.”