Cantwell: Washington to face explosive ACA premium increases in 2026

Health insurance premiums are set to rise sharply for many Washington state families in 2026, putting more pressure on middle-class households. 

A recent case study from Senator Maria Cantwell highlights a couple, aged 60 and 55, with a combined income of $120,000, who purchased insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

With the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, this couple could see their monthly premiums jump by an average of $1,049 across all 39 counties in Washington, adding more than $12,500 to their yearly expenses, according to Cantwell. 

Washington Middle-Class Families Confront Sharp Health Insurance Premium Increases

The increases vary depending on where families live. In King County, the couple’s monthly premium could rise by $960, while in Spokane County it may go up by $991. Some rural counties face even more dramatic hikes. 

In Adams County, the monthly premium would leap from $326.75 to $1,427.29, an extra $13,206 a year for the same coverage. Statewide, the average monthly premium for this couple is projected to climb from $414 in 2025 to $1,463 in 2026, a staggering 253% increase.

These rising costs reflect a broader concern for over 214,000 Washingtonians who rely on the ACA marketplace. Without continued subsidies, many middle-class families may struggle to afford coverage, potentially leaving more people uninsured and increasing financial strain on hospitals. 

Cantwell has urged Congress to extend these enhanced subsidies to help families manage these sharp increases and maintain access to care.