BELLEVUE —Democratic Congressional leaders joined by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue on Friday, September 12, addressed the looming risk to 80,000 Washingtonians who may lose healthcare if the Republican-controlled Congress allows the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by the end of this year. Attendees included House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and community members impacted by health care policies.
The Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, introduced in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan, have made private health plans through Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange more affordable by capping premium costs at 8.5% of income and expanding eligibility to households earning over 400% of the federal poverty level. This loss would compound the effects of recent Medicaid cuts, exacerbating the state’s health care challenges.
“The cruel attacks on health care access by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are morally bankrupt,” Gov. Ferguson said. “Failing to extend these common-sense tax credits is one more way the federal government is making health care less affordable and less accessible to residents across our state. Congress must act now to extend these credits and protect health care access for tens of thousands of Washingtonians.”
The accessibility and affordability of health care was echoed by Congresswoman Schrier, who added, “It is morally bankrupt that Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are giving tax breaks to billionaires while ripping away health insurance from working families across my district.” She further called on lawmakers to reverse these “reckless policies” to protect vulnerable populations.
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene emphasized the rising costs faced by Washington families who, she alleges, are being undermined to the benefit of the “wealthy and well-connected.”
“One of the biggest concerns I hear from Washington families is how fast health care costs are rising. Since taking office, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have done nothing but break their promise to lower the high cost of living. Their megabill and other policies are an assault on the health care system that is driving health care costs higher and kicking people off their coverage,” said DelBene.
The consequences of not extending the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are significant. Approximately 286,000 Washingtonians are enrolled in private health plans through the Health Benefit Exchange, with at least 80,000 relying on these credits to afford coverage. If the credits expire, premiums could increase dramatically. This week, Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer released final 2026 health insurance rates for the individual exchange, showing a 21% increase from 2025. The rate increases, combined with the expiring subsidies, are estimated to increase premiums by 65% next year for people who received subsidized coverage through WA Health Plan Finder.
A family of three in King County earning $52,000 annually could see their premiums rise from $490 to over $2,800 per year, while a senior in Yakima County earning $41,000 might face an increase from $70 to nearly $2,000 annually. Rural areas, particularly Central and Eastern Washington, could see net premium increases of 80 to 90 percent. Additionally, the state’s uninsured rate, currently at 4.8%, could double, adding to the 250,000 Washingtonians expected to lose coverage due to Medicaid cuts.
“I’m grateful to be in the great state of Washington today alongside my colleagues Rep. Suzan DelBene and Dr. Rep. Kim Schrier, Governor Bob Ferguson, Commissioner Patty Kuderer and medical professionals to stand up against the all-out Republican assault on health care,” said House Democratic Leader Jeffries. “Donald Trump and House Republicans have created a health care crisis in the United States of America. They have imposed the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, ripping health care away from tens of millions of Americans, forcing the possible closure of hospitals, nursing homes and community-based health clinics while millions will face dramatic increases in their health care premiums, co-pays and deductibles. No matter what it takes, House Democrats are committed to making sure we bring the right to high-quality health care to life and aggressively push back against this unprecedented Republican assault on the health and well-being of the American people.”
For more information about Washington’s Health Benefit Exchange, visit www.wahbexchange.org.
Author: Mario Lotmore
