From KOMO News report, "28k Washingtonians cancel insurance plans amid spiking costs, federal policies," by Jackie Kent:
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange (WHBE, which runs the state’s health insurance marketplace) reports that approximately 28,000 people in Washington who buy their insurance plans, with the help of subsidies, cancelled their plans. That's 8,000 more cancellations than a year earlier. Another 61,000 customers switched plans because of rising costs, due in part to federal policy changes and the cancellation of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
“We're seeing a growing healthcare affordability crisis in Washington and around the country,” Northwest Health Law Advocates Co-Executive Director Emily Brice told KOMO News.
The Northwest Health Law Advocates say some people who disenrolled from coverage are likely to try to find care through safety net providers, community health centers, and hospital emergency rooms. Brice notes that this could lead to a much broader impact on the health system and more Washington families. “It puts strain on our resources collectively and ultimately will increase healthcare costs overall,” Brice added.
The health law advocates are hoping state lawmakers in 2027 will consider legislation that would significantly drop the medical debt interest rate, from 9% to 1%, as one short-term solution to cut costs.