Health insurance in Washington is sold through Washington Healthplanfinder, with an estimated 65-100 plans available for 2026. The average Silver-tier premium is $420/mo before subsidies for a 40-year-old non-smoker. Medicaid status: Expanded.
Marketplace
Washington Healthplanfinder
Washington Healthplanfinder
Avg Silver Premium
$420/mo
Before tax credits, age 40
Medicaid
Expanded
Affordable Care Act status
| Field | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace | Washington Healthplanfinder | State-run exchange |
| Open Enrollment 2026 | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | Special enrollment for QLEs year-round |
| Plans available | 65-100 | Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum tiers |
| Medicaid expansion | Expanded | Up to 138% FPL |
Premium and plan counts are estimates for 2026 based on prior-year filings and pending rate approvals. Always verify pricing on the marketplace itself before enrolling.
Washington State operates Washington Healthplanfinder, one of the more sophisticated state-based exchanges, with 65–100 plans statewide. Kaiser Permanente, Premera, and Molina are the leading carriers. Silver premiums average $410–$430/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies. Washington offers Cascade Care, a standardized public option plan sold through private insurers at regulated premium levels — a model that has attracted national attention as a potential template for federal public option legislation. The Puget Sound metro has robust competition; Eastern Washington and Olympic Peninsula have thinner markets.
Washington expanded Medicaid (Apple Health) in 2014 and has maintained strong enrollment. The state has extended Medicaid to all income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status, including undocumented adults through state funding. Washington's Medicaid managed care model includes Apple Health for Kids, Apple Health for Adults, and specialized programs for foster youth and individuals with disabilities. The state has been at the forefront of behavioral health integration within its Medicaid programs. Washington Healthplanfinder's Cascade Care initiative continues to be developed with an eye toward broader premium relief.
Leading 2026 ACA carriers in Washington: Kaiser Permanente Washington, Premera Blue Cross, Molina Healthcare. Plan selection and network breadth vary widely by ZIP code — use the marketplace's plan-finder tool with your ZIP and household income for accurate availability.
Washington offers Cascade Care, a standardized public option plan sold through Washington Healthplanfinder at regulated premium rates.
Washington expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify — about $20,800/yr for an individual or $43,000/yr for a family of 4 in 2026.
💡 Washington Pro Tip
Washington operates its own state-based exchange called Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org.
A 40-year-old non-smoker in Washington typically pays about $410–$430/month for a Silver plan before subsidies. The Cascade Care public option may offer lower-cost alternatives.
Yes. Washington expanded Medicaid (Apple Health) in 2014 and has extended coverage to all income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status.
Marketplace data sourced from state and federal exchange filings for Washington, April 2026. Premium estimates are 2026-projected.
Jennifer Walsh
Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed April 2026
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