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OLYMPIA, Wash. — Fourteen health insurers have been approved to sell health plans in Washington’s 2026 individual health insurance market. Wellpoint Washington is new to the individual health insurance market and will sell Exchange plans in Grays Harbor and King counties. 

Insurers requested a 21.2% rate change, and 21% was found to be actuarially justified. Open enrollment for the individual market runs November 1 through January 15. Most people buy coverage through the Exchange, wahealthplanfinder.org, and most qualify for premium tax credits to help lower their monthly costs. …

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer today called on insurance companies selling auto, homeowners and renters insurance in Washington to support federal workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Kuderer urged insurers (PDF 214.39KB) to allow a grace period of at least 30 days for federal employees who are unable to make timely premium payments due to the shutdown. She emphasized that families should not lose their insurance coverage or face penalties because of circumstances beyond their control.

“Tens of thousands of…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Twelve health insurers have been approved to sell individual health plans in Washington’s Exchange in 2026. Wellpoint Washington is new to the individual health insurance market and will sell Exchange plans in Grays Harbor and King counties. 

Insurers requested a 21.2% rate change, and 21% was found to be actuarially justified. The plans and their rates will be reviewed for certification by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board at its Thursday, Sept. 11, meeting.

“Another year of increased premiums will be hard to hear for the thousands of…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer fined Premera Blue Cross $550,000 on Wednesday, Aug. 6, for violations of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and Washington’s provider directory regulation. 

Along with the fine, Premera must update its provider directories by October 31 to comply with state regulations.

“These violations are a disservice to the people who rely on Premera’s health plans for their well-being,” Kuderer said. “Our laws are in place to ensure mental health services are just as accessible as medical…