Average 21% rate increase approved for Washington’s 2026 Exchange health insurance market
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OLYMPIA, Wash. — Twelve health insurers have been approved to sell individual health plans in Washington’s Exchange in 2026. Wellpoint Washington is new to the individual health insurance market and will sell Exchange plans in Grays Harbor and King counties.
Insurers requested a 21.2% rate change, and 21% was found to be actuarially justified. The plans and their rates will be reviewed for certification by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board at its Thursday, Sept. 11, meeting.
“Another year of increased premiums will be hard to hear for the thousands of Washingtonians who buy their own health coverage,” Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer said. “But, when the insurers prove they need a rate change, we’re required by state law to accept it. And this year insurers pointed to ongoing uncertainty coming from the federal government and the surging costs of health care.”
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