Recent analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealed that premiums are expected to increase 15% in 2019. This increase is on top of the national 34% increase in 2018 – leading to a 54% total premium increase over two years. These increases are primarily due to threats and changes to the ACA by the Trump Administration (sabotage, in effect) – including the elimination of the individual mandate and cost-sharing reductions, and proposed rule changes to allow skimpy plans. The CBO also found that there will be 3 million more uninsured next year due to the individual mandate going away and this number will continue to rise through 2028.

Following an average 24% rate increase in 2018, Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange lowered the carrier assessment 55% for 2019. The per member per month fee helps fund the Exchange and was reduced to “lower the overall cost of premiums and help make coverage more affordable for our customers.” But recently, 11 health insurers filed 74 health plans for Washington State’s 2019 individual health insurance market, with an average proposed rate increase of 19%. Every county will have at least one health plan option (if approved). Individuals receiving subsidies are shielded from the premium increases, but individuals earning more than the subsidy threshold of 400% of poverty may face additional sticker shock in this fall’s open enrollment period. Final rates will be released in the fall.