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Exchange board approves 2027 carrier assessments for health and dental plans
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Summary
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange board voted to set 2027 carrier assessments at $5.11 per member per month for qualified health plans, $0.94 for qualified dental plans, and $0.67 for pediatric dental, after hearing finance staff recommend holding rates amid revenue uncertainty.
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange board voted March 26 to approve three carrier assessments for plan year 2027, advancing the finance team's recommendation to hold existing rates to maintain revenue stability.
Interim Chief Financial Officer Addie Gray presented the finance update and the recommended approach for the carrier assessment, describing the assessment as an exchange user fee that supplements premium tax revenue if necessary. Gray said the Exchange is recommending no change to current per‑member rates because short‑term premium increases are projected to offset enrollment declines for revenue purposes.
"We are confident that given our current revenue projections ... dialing the carrier assessment for plan year 2027 isn't necessary or warranted," Gray said.
On roll call the board approved the assessments: qualified health plans at $5.11 per member per month (motion moved by Lynn Sorin and seconded by Janice Green), qualified dental plans at $0.94 per member per month (moved by Karen Kaiser, seconded by Hiroshi Nakano), and pediatric dental plans at $0.67 per member per month (moved by Dr. Graham, seconded by Dr. Bodell). Christine performed roll call votes; members present voted yes and the motions passed.
Board members and staff emphasized that the carrier assessment is not an appropriation and that the Exchange cannot access the funds without legislative authorization. Gray noted the assessment contributes about 25% of revenue for the Exchange's 17T account, with premium tax revenue comprising roughly 75%.
The board also discussed the assessment's interaction with projected enrollment declines, premium increases and the Exchange's supplemental funding: Gray told the board that premium increases are currently projected to outpace enrollment loss through plan year 2027, while additional federal and state funds from the recent supplemental session reduce pressure on the 17T account.
The board took the vote by roll call and recorded yes votes from members present; April Lin was absent for portions of the meeting and noted in the roll call.