OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington residents who buy their own health insurance are set to pay more next year, with rates increasing by an average of 22.2% in 2027.
Twelve health insurers have been approved to sell individual plans through Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange. The companies requested an average increase of 22.4%, and state regulators determined that 22.2% was justified.
Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer says much of the increase comes down to a familiar problem: Health care is getting more expensive.
“This is, unfortunately, a reflection of the increasing cost of care,” Kuderer said. “Families shouldn’t experience sticker shock every year when shopping for health insurance, but these pressures are likely to continue without changes that slow health care spending, improve affordability and keep more people covered.”
The state says several factors are pushing rates higher. Hospitals and other health care providers are charging more for services and prescription drugs, while people are also using more care and more expensive services.
Another factor is who is staying in the individual insurance market. Healthier people have been leaving or are expected to leave, meaning those who keep their coverage tend to have greater health care needs and cost more to insure.
The expiration of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits is expected to add to that problem. The credits made insurance more affordable, and without them, state officials expect more healthy people to drop coverage.
Nearly 250,000 Washington residents bought individual plans through Washington Healthplanfinder in 2026, down 13% from the year before. It was the largest enrollment drop since 2012. The enhanced tax credits had saved enrollees an average of $1,330 a year on premiums.
The size of the 2027 increases will vary depending on the insurer. Community Health Plan of Washington received the largest approved average increase at 30.5%, while Regence BlueShield received the smallest at 6.7%.
Fourteen insurers offered individual plans in 2026. Providence Health Plan, which covered 254 people, will not offer coverage in 2027.
The plans and rates will go before the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board for certification at its Thursday, Sept. 10 meeting.
The individual market is used by people who don’t get health insurance through an employer, including self-employed workers and early retirees.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees also rely on the Exchange to provide coverage for workers.