Federal shutdown enters fourth week
Hundreds of Skagit County residents could face higher health insurance premiums next year if Congress fails to extend enhanced federal tax credits that help families afford coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
“We will be impacted to the tune of more than $1,000,” said retired La Conner resident Dan Lee. “It’s just a huge impact on the budget.”
Lee is not alone. According to data compiled in April, nearly 4,000 people in Skagit County receive enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) that make their monthly health insurance costs more affordable. The future of these credits has become uncertain as congressional budget negotiations drag on and the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week.
Officials at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, which runs the state healthcare exchange, urge residents not to panic. They say the state has implemented policy innovations that will help cushion the impact for many households.
A local lens on the national debate
The enhanced tax credits — expanded during the pandemic — currently help nearly 217,000 Washingtonians afford health coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder. State actuaries estimate that if Congress allows them to expire, roughly 80,000 residents statewide could see premiums rise so dramatically that they drop coverage altogether.
In Skagit County, where self-employed workers, small business owners, and older adults make up a large share of marketplace enrollees, even modest increases could have significant ripple effects.
“It will be people in our most rural counties, those who run small businesses or who are self-employed and older adults who are not yet eligible for Medicare who will face the steepest premium increases.”
Ingrid Ulrey
The age group that will be hit hardest in Skagit County is young adults aged 19 through 34, who could see their premiums increase by as much as 76%. The largest age group to be impacted, though, is adults aged 55 and older, with an estimated 60% increase.
“If the enhanced level of these tax credits is allowed to expire, it will be people in our most rural counties, those who run small businesses or who are self-employed and older adults who are not yet eligible for Medicare who will face the steepest premium increases,” said Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
Sen. Murray warns of “eye-popping” price hikes nationwide
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, speaking in a virtual press conference last Thursday with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, said families across the country are already receiving notices warning of substantial premium hikes.
“People are logging on right now to see if the news is true, and they are seeing some eye-popping price hikes,” she said. “This is happening across the country. Right now. I’ve spoken to people back in Washington state who are seeing the numbers and have no idea how they are going to afford health care if Republicans let their premiums double.”
Stay engaged
Despite the uncertainty, Washington’s health officials emphasized that many customers will still find affordable plans thanks to state-level protections and innovations.
Open enrollment for 2026 plans begins November 1, and residents can use wahealthplanfinder.org or the Healthplanfinder app to explore options.
Kari Mar is the editor and publisher of La Conner Community News.
