WASHINGTON STATE – Nearly 2 million Washington residents who rely on Apple Health received a warning about potential insurance cost increase, according to a letter sent to customers Washington Healthplanfinder portal.
The letter states, “Your monthly insurance costs could increase due to changing federal tax credit support. The amount of tax credits that help lower monthly premiums are scheduled to be reduced or eliminated in 2026.”
Senator Maria Cantwell addressed rising healthcare premiums on August 7 in a Spokane townhall meeting.
“We’re here today to sound the alarm about these looming threats to health care and the fact that Washington residents, especially Eastern Washington residents, are going to be hit hard,” Cantwell said.
Medicaid plans in Washington operate based on annual tax returns, which determine the level of financial support individuals receive to reduce their healthcare premiums. During the open enrollment period, residents choose a plan that suits their needs.
“The cost of insurance is definitely going to go up, and we need to fight back,” Cantwell said.
The Trump administration’s changes to government assistance programs, aimed at reducing fraud and spending, have led to the cut in tax credits.
The Washington State Health Care Authority warns that these changes could result in 200,000 to 320,000 residents losing Medicaid coverage.
“We could see Washingtonians who remain on the exchange see as much as a 65% increase in premiums, and even higher here for Eastern Washington,” Cantwell stated.
A 65% increase would raise a $50 monthly premium to nearly $80.
“The estimates are that 80,000 Washingtonians will forgo the marketplace exchange next year, simply because they won’t be able to afford it,” Cantwell said.
The letter also mentions new plans for 2026, such as the Cascade Care Vital Gold Plan, which could offer greater benefits with similar premiums.
