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Officials Warn Expiration of Enhanced ACA Tax Credits, Approve 21% Average Rate Hike for 2026
Summary
At a Bellevue press event, Democratic leaders, the state insurance commissioner and hospital executives warned that the potential expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and recent federal legislation could sharply raise premiums, force some to drop coverage and strain hospitals unless Congress acts.
Congresswoman Susan Del Bene convened federal and state officials at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue to warn that upcoming federal changes and the possible expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits could sharply increase premiums and reduce coverage in Washington state.
"They passed the largest cut to health care in American history," Del Bene said, blaming recent Republican legislation and the Trump administration for policies she said are driving higher costs and narrower access. She cited a state release showing a 21% average increase in 2026 individual market rates and said about 216,000 Washingtonians used enhanced premium tax credits this year.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries framed the issue nationally, calling the measures an "unprecedented assault" on health care and urging a bipartisan spending agreement that preserves health and economic well-being. "House Democrats are prepared to find a bipartisan path forward,"…
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