October 29, 2024
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Open enrollment for Washington’s 2025 individual health insurance market starts Friday, Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2025.
If you need a health plan for yourself or your family or want to change coverage, your chance to compare plans starts this week. To have coverage in place on Jan. 1, you must enroll by Dec. 15.
“I encourage everyone to go to Washington Healthplanfinder and compare plans now,” said Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “We have good competition in our state and options to consider, so be sure to shop around before making a decision.”
Washington residents can preview qualified health and dental plans through Washington Healthplanfinder — including plan offerings and prices — through October 30.
Washington Healthplanfinder is Washington’s online hub and the best way to compare plans. It’s also how you can find out if you qualify for help with your monthly premium.
The 11 health insurers requested an average 11.3% increase this year, but Kreidler’s office found only a 10.7% average rate increase was justified. How much you will pay depends on the plan you select, how many people you want to cover, their age, where you live and if you smoke.
People who do not get employer-sponsored health insurance must shop for coverage in the individual health insurance market.
As of April 2024, an estimated 253,051 people were in the individual health insurance market. About 81% of them received some financial help to pay their monthly premium.
Kreidler released a report earlier this summer detailing options the legislature could consider to help with the affordability of health care in Washington state.