Unprecedented number of Washingtonians drop health insurance following Congress’ failure to renew enhanced premium tax credits
New report shows expiration of enhanced premium tax credits resulted in nearly 13 percent decrease in qualified health plan enrollees compared to last year
Olympia, Wash. - Nearly 250,000 Washingtonians either selected or re-enrolled into a qualified health plan (QHP) during open enrollment. After Congress allowed the enhanced premium tax credits to expire at the end of 2025, nearly 13% fewer Washingtonians enrolled in a QHP than last year’s more than 286,500. There has not been a drop of this magnitude since Washington Healthplanfinder was launched in 2012. The findings were released today in the Washington Health Benefit Exchange .
This report shows a number of important trends.
Enrollment counts are significantly down from what was initially reported in the , when open enrollment closed in January. At the end of open enrollment, nearly 40,000 fewer people signed up than last year. Now, with information about who has paid for their coverage, another 14% of Washingtonians have dropped their health insurance. Historically, this number is 7–10% lower than reported in the preview report revealing nearly twice as many customers opting out of coverage.
Despite federal policy changes, Washington state’s mitigations efforts — including state premium assistance Cascade Care Savings and premium alignment — have helped to reduce the impact of federal changes. Those efforts were able to help stabilize the average net premium for federally-subsidized people with incomes 100–400% of the federal poverty level.
“With the passage of H.R. 1 and the expiration of federal enhanced premium tax credits, many customers experienced a doubling or tripling of their premiums this year and faced hard decisions about whether to stay covered,” Exchange Chief of Communications Tara Lee said. “We know our state mitigation efforts have made a difference, and the coverage losses could have been greater. However, we anticipate that ongoing federal changes and mandates will continue to impact affordability and access. The Exchange is committed to our mission of radically improving how Washingtonians secure health insurance through innovative and practical solutions."
In times of change and uncertainty, customers rely on trusted partners to help them sort through their choices. During this open enrollment, brokers, navigators and Customer Support Center representatives were instrumental in clarifying savings, tax credits and policy changes. The Exchange’s extensive network of statewide assisters helped approximately 49% of QHP enrollees find and select their 2026 health insurance.
Learn more about Washington Healthplanfinder customers in the , accessible at wahbexchange.org.
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About Washington Healthplanfinder™
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. Next open enrollment for Washington Healthplanfinder begins Nov. 1, 2026. Enrollment reports and data are available from Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
About Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Apple Health (also known as Medicaid) is available to residents based on income, family size, age, and other factors. Coverage for adults, parents/caretakers, children, and pregnant individuals is managed through Washington Healthplanfinder. Apple Health coverage includes preventive care, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, dental, vision, and many other services. Learn more at hca.wa.gov/apple-health.