Health insurers providing coverage to more than 305,000 customers across Washington state have filed requests with the state to raise the rates of their health plans in 2026 from between 9.6% and 37.3%. 

The state Office of the Insurance Commissioner announced the requested rate changes submitted by 14 insurers. The rate increases are based on insurer forecasts on what services their customers will use and how much that will cost, according to a release. The insurance commissioner’s office is currently reviewing those requests. 

Those impacted are mostly Washingtonians who do not receive health benefits through employment and buy coverage via the individual market. 

The rate increases could lead tens of thousands to drop coverage, state insurance officials said. A federal tax credit first offered in 2021 that helped those making up to $62,600 a year pay for coverage is set to expire at the end of 2025 unless renewed by Congress. 

The insurance commissioner’s office said insurers took the tax credit into account when creating their request for 2026 and renewing the tax credits could reduce the proposed rate changes by as much as 6.4%. 

“These tax credits are how many people afford critical coverage that protects themselves and their families,” said state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, in a statement. “I know many members of Congress understand this and hopefully, they will prevail in these negotiations. Thousands of people in Washington state and millions across the country depend on the individual market and can't afford to see prices rise unnecessarily.”