For the first time, enrollment in ACA plans through Washington Healthplanfinder exceeds 300,000
Federal and state subsidies are driving record enrollment
OLYMPIA, Wash. – More Washingtonians than ever before have signed up for health and dental insurance for 2025 through Washington Healthplanfinder. Washington Health Benefit Exchange runs Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s online marketplace for Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.
As of the close of open enrollment on Jan. 15, more than 308,000 Washingtonians had selected health and dental plans for 2025. This preliminary number includes people renewing their coverage and nearly 50,000 new customers.
“This year, more than 75% of customers in our market were able to benefit from the availability of enhanced federal premium tax credits. This support, plus Cascade Care Savings, the state funded premium assistance for our lowest income customers, combined to enable this record high enrollment,” Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said. “Customers eligible for both the federal and state assistance were able to purchase a plan for an average of $70 per month, which is far lower than the average premium of more than $540 per month for a Silver plan before subsidies are applied.
“While this is great news, these gains may not be sustainable. The enhanced level of the federal premium tax credits require Congressional action to continue beyond the end of this year,” Ulrey continued. “Additionally, Cascade Care Savings proved so popular that demand outpaced the remaining funds appropriated by the Washington State Legislature through June 2025. System reforms are needed to address the underlying costs and in the meantime, it is crucial that both federal and state subsidies continue to keep coverage affordable.”
Increased enrollment in ACA plans is happening all over the country. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) recently reported that 23.6 million customers selected 2025 coverage through federal and state marketplaces.
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Reminders: Enrollment is offered year-round to individuals and families through Washington Apple Health (Medicaid). Customers enrolled in Apple Health will receive a notice 60 days before the month they enrolled in or renewed their coverage last year.
About Washington HealthplanfinderTM
Washington HealthplanfinderTM is an online marketplace for individuals and families in Washington to compare and enroll in health insurance coverage and gain access to tax credits, reduced cost sharing and public programs such as Medicaid. Open enrollment for Washington Healthplanfinder was from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025. Enrollment reports and data are available from Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
About Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Washington Apple Health. Free or low-cost coverage is available year-round for those who qualify. Since the Affordable Care Act launched in October 2013, more people have access to preventive care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services they need to stay healthy. Apple Health clients enroll and renew online using Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health is administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority, www.hca.wa.gov.