Washington State: Health Benefit Exchange CEO Statement on gov't shutdown

via the Washington Health Benefit Exchange:

The Affordable Care Act premium tax credits at the center of federal shutdown discussions help almost 217,000 Washingtonians pay their monthly health insurance costs through Washington Healthplanfinder 

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Health Benefit Exchange CEO Ingrid Ulrey issued a statement today about Affordable Care Act tax credits that help Americans pay for health insurance, and which have become a central issue in the debate regarding the government shutdown. 

“As we enter the third week of the federal government shutdown with a focus on the enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs), it is important to remember what is at stake for Washingtonians.

“This year, these tax credits help nearly 217,000 Washingtonians afford the coverage they need for themselves and their families. 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.

“These tax credits are making a difference in our state. Our actuaries predict that without them, an estimated 80,000 Washingtonians will experience premium increases so significant that they may choose to drop their coverage altogether. This, combined with Medicaid coverage losses resulting from the big budget bill recently passed by Congress, threatens to put enormous pressure on our health care system and result in higher prices for everyone.

“Open enrollment for plan year 2026 starts on Nov. 1, and we will be ready to support customers through Washington Healthplanfinder. It is not true that Congress has until the end of December to act. The credits do expire at the end of the calendar year, but customers will see the higher premium costs until a solution can be remedied, which will take time. This will cause confusion, anger and frustration which may result in some customers abandoning coverage altogether. The time for Congress to act is now.”

Additional context:

• Washington Healthplanfinder customers shared their stories (PDF) about what the tax credits have meant to them.

• ePTCs are only available when Washingtonians buy a qualified health plan on Washington Healthplanfinder, along with some specific tax return instructions.

• Premium tax credits are calculated based on household income and other factors such as family size. The size of premium tax credits customers receive are based on a sliding scale. People with lower incomes get a larger credit to help cover the cost of their insurance.