Washington residents face increased health insurance premiums

OLYMPIA – The health insurance marketplace opened for the 2026 coverage year on November 1, 2025, and will remain open until January 15, 2026. To have coverage begin on January 1, 2026, you must enroll by the December 15, 2025 deadline.

According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, more than 270,000 Washingtonians, including cancer patients and survivors, may face significant premium increases should the enhanced premium tax credits not be extended by the U.S Congress.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has long advocated for the extension of tax credits, which would help make comprehensive health insurance more affordable for the 24 million people who purchase coverage through the Marketplaces nationwide, including 272,000 Washington residents who obtain their coverage through healthcare.gov. Should Congress allow the enhanced tax credits to expire, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has projected that 4.2 million people will become uninsured nationwide.

Audrey Miller Garcia, Washington government relations director for ACS CAN, released the following statement:

“Nearly everyone with Marketplace health insurance will face a significant increase in their costs for next year, but the spikes for those who rely on the enhanced premium tax credits will be massive. These increases will put quality, affordable coverage out of reach for many Washington residents. For cancer patients in active treatment, a loss of coverage would be life-threatening.

“Research clearly shows that having health insurance is one of the most significant factors in surviving a cancer diagnosis. Without access to the care needed to get well and stay well, people will live sicker and die sooner.

“Congress still has a chance to make this right and find a pathway to extend the tax credits before it’s too late. Our congressional delegation needs to know that lives depend on it.”

More information about the American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network is at http://www.fightcancer.org.