As open enrollment begins in WA, future of health insurance tax credits remains murky

Starting Saturday, Washingtonians who need to buy health insurance through the state’s online marketplace can enroll in or change their plans.

The beginning of open enrollment comes as the federal government shutdown continues amid disagreements in Congress about the future of federal subsidies for these health insurance policies, which are available under the Affordable Care Act.

These tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year without an extension from Congress. Democrats have refused to vote to end the shutdown without Republicans agreeing to extend the subsidies.

Premiums for individual insurance bought on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange are rising an average of 21%, due in part to the loss of these enhanced tax credits, which started during the COVID pandemic. This increase is in line with similar hikes nationwide. The average growth rate last year was 10.7% in Washington.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/10/31/as-open-enrollment-begins-in-wa-future-of-health-insurance-tax-credits-remains-murky/