From The Seattle Times article, "WA approves double-digit rate hike for individual health insurance plans," by Jessica Fu:
The state insurance commissioner on Wednesday approved a 22.2% average rate increase for individual health plans in 2027 — an announcement that set off alarm bells from consumer advocates and policymakers over the ballooning cost of coverage.
“We have unrestrained health costs that are driving an affordability crisis,” said Emily Brice, co-executive director of advocacy for Northwest Health Law Advocates, an organization that aims to increase access to healthcare. “This is truly staggering at this point.”
Brice is worried about people who may be forced to make difficult choices, such as having to choose between health insurance and other necessities like housing or food — a dynamic she referred to as “survival math.”