Under the new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Washingtonians will find that the cost of their health insurance that is purchased on the Health Benefit Exchange is temporarily more affordable. For the next two years, ARPA allows those with income up to 150 percent of federal poverty to get silver plans at $0 premiums and with reduced deductibles, those with income up to 400 percent of federal poverty to get increased premium subsidies, and those with income above 400 percent of federal poverty are newly eligible for premium subsidies. There are also enhanced subsidies for recently unemployed individuals, and temporary COBRA premium subsidies for 2021.
Washingtonians can find out if they qualify by checking options on Washington Healthplanfinder or contact an Exchange-certified navigator, enrollment center or the Customer Support Center (1-855-923-4633). In 2023, Washington state has enacted a new subsidy program for those with income up to 250 percent of poverty, is otherwise ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid, and applies all applicable federal tax credits. These are positive steps in ensuring that Washingtonians have access to affordable health coverage.
