Open enrollment for commercial insurance starts Nov. 1, and experts said Washingtonians can expect higher premiums and a dozen options for carriers. 

Rates will be increasing in the state by more than 22%, following a 21% increase in 2026. 

Aaron VanTuyl, communications and media manager for the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, said it does not necessarily mean all plans will increase by that much. 

"Visit the health plan finder website and you can enter in your financial information, your demographics, and it will tell you if you qualify for any subsidies or discounts. And maybe you come out with a premium a little lower than you were expecting even," VanTuyl explained. 

After Congress allowed enhanced premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act to expire at the end of last year, enrollment in qualified health plans in Washington shrank by 13%. 

The Washington Health Benefit Exchange called the dip unprecedented and VanTuyl added he would not be surprised if the pattern was repeated in the new enrollment cycle. Healthy people are often the quickest to drop health insurance altogether. 

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said the choice can end up costing more in the long run. 

"When budgets are tight, it's really understandable that someone would want to look for ways to save money wherever they can. But an unexpected illness, an injury, a trip to the emergency room, those costs can add up quickly, and they can be costs that are difficult to plan for," Randall pointed out. 

Meanwhile, VanTuyl recommended people start researching plans early, take their time and shop around. He added people should make sure their providers and pharmacists will be covered by their network. 

This story is republished from Public News Service, an independent, member-supported news organization and Certified B Corporation committed to increasing awareness of and engagement with critical public interest issues by reporting and delivering credible journalism and media packages through a network of independent state newswires.