Those relying on Washington state’s Exchange health plans are about to pay a lot more for health care in the next year. 

Twelve health insurers were recently approved to offer health plans via the state’s individual health insurance market with Wellpoint as the only new provider, according to a release. 

The insurers also requested rate increases of 21.2% in 2026 above current levels. On Sept. 11, the state’s Health Benefit Exchange Board will review plans and proposed rate increases, which the state has verified as being actuarially justified. 

“Another year of increased premiums will be hard to hear for the thousands of Washingtonians who buy their own health coverage,” said Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer in a statement. “But, when the insurers prove they need a rate change, we’re required by state law to accept it. And this year insurers pointed to ongoing uncertainty coming from the federal government and the surging costs of health care.” 

Last year, nearly 300,000 Washingtonians bought individual health plans through Washington’s Exchange, wahealthplanfinder.org, and 75% qualified for federal premium tax credits.   

More than two out of three of those buying those plans received financial assistance of more than $1,300 in federal tax credits, which expire at the end of the year.