Insurance rates on WA health care exchange set to surge

Hakeem Jeffries, the top U. S. House Democrat, visited Bellevue to address rising health insurance costs attributed to congressional Republicans and the Trump administration. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange will see an average premium increase of 21% next year, as announced by state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer. Jeffries highlighted the challenges facing low-income Americans, including impending Medicaid cuts and the potential expiration of federal tax credits, which could push 80,000 residents to forego insurance.

He stated he would be willing to risk a government shutdown if Republicans do not reverse their health care policies. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer supported Jeffries, asserting that any funding plan must include health care provisions. Local leaders, including Gov. Bob Ferguson and U. S.

Reps. Suzan DelBene and Kim Schrier, joined Jeffries at the press conference, stressing the need for urgent action. Overlake Medical Center CEO Jon Duarte warned that hospitals may face increased uncompensated care if subsidies expire, further straining their finances. The uninsured rate in Washington stands at 4. 8% as of 2023, but this progress could be jeopardized without congressional intervention.