Washington State: ACA exchange enrollment breaks 300K for first time

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

Federal and state subsidies are driving record enrollment

OLYMPIA, Wash. – More Washingtonians than ever before have signed up for health and dental insurance for 2025 through Washington Healthplanfinder. Washington Health Benefit Exchange runs Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s online marketplace for Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.  

As of the close of open enrollment on Jan. 15, more than 308,000 Washingtonians had selected health and dental plans for 2025. This preliminary number includes people renewing their coverage and nearly 50,000 new customers.

“This year, more than 75% of customers in our market were able to benefit from the availability of enhanced federal premium tax credits. This support, plus Cascade Care Savings, the state funded premium assistance for our lowest income customers, combined to enable this record high enrollment,” Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey said.  “Customers eligible for both the federal and state assistance were able to purchase a plan for an average of $70 per month, which is far lower than the average premium of more than $540 per month for a Silver plan before subsidies are applied.

“While this is great news, these gains may not be sustainable. The enhanced level of the federal premium tax credits require Congressional action to continue beyond the end of this year,” Ulrey continued. “Additionally, Cascade Care Savings proved so popular that demand outpaced the remaining funds appropriated by the Washington State Legislature through June 2025. System reforms are needed to address the underlying costs and in the meantime, it is crucial that both federal and state subsidies continue to keep coverage affordable.”