Insurance commissioner: premium shock and enrollment declines follow federal changes

Patty Kuderer, Washington state insurance commissioner, said federal decisions including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits have reduced enrollment in the individual market by 13%—about 40,000 people—and that insurers have filed requests averaging a 22.4% increase for 2027. "Insurers requested an average increase of 22.4%," she said, and added that claims costs, hospital and prescription drug cost increases, and insurer consolidation are driving rate pressures.

Kuderer described steps the state has taken, including Cascade Care Savings and regulatory rate structuring to maximize federal assistance; she said without those actions enrollment declines would likely have been worse. She said the administration will continue to scrutinize insurer filings but noted that if insurers justify their rate requests, she is required by law to approve them.