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2026 PLAN CHANGES

What you need to know about expiring enhanced premium tax credits

Approximately 75% of Washingtonians receiving enhanced premium tax credits (ePTCs) will be affected.1

What are ePTCs?

Introduced through federal legislation in 2021, ePTCs are temporary subsidies created to lower health insurance premium costs for individuals and families buying plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.

ePTCs make healthcare more affordable for three-quarters of the nearly 286,000 Washingtonians with individual health insurance plans.1 Unless extended by Congress, these subsidies will expire on December 31, 2025.

With expiration of ePTCs, it's expected that premiums will rise by 65% for the average marketplace buyer in Washington.2 Some 80,000 Washington residents on the exchange could be priced out of the market and opt out of health coverage altogether.1

What you can do next

See if you have an ePTC on your 2025 plan

Here’s how to check:

Sign in to your account at wahealthplanfinder.org

Or call 1-800-562-3022

Explore helpful resources from LifeWise

For many people, changes to individual health plans for 2026 will be confusing. LifeWise offers several resources to help you find clarity and answers, all at no extra charge.

Shop and compare plans

A  health plan supports your well being and financial security. However, you may need to change plans for 2026. Start by shopping around during the current open enrollment period, which ends December 15, 2025. Compare plan prices and benefits to see how much more you might have to pay, and which plans now offer the best fit for your needs.

Browse individual plans in your area

Get a customized Quick Quote

Streamlined and more helpful than ever, Quick Quote helps you find the best values on customized plan options available in your area. See tailored plan information and options in just seconds.

Go to Quick Quote now

Connect with LifeWise customer service

LifeWise customer service representatives can help you find a 2026 health plan that meets your needs and offers the best value.

800-817-3056, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT

Talk to a preferred plan broker

Get help finding the right plan and navigating your entire healthcare experience at no additional charge.

Find a broker

Keep reading

Learn more about ePTCs and the changing costs and values between health plans.

Read article now

Important dates

Open enrollment is underway. Here are key open enrollment dates to keep in mind when shopping for a 2026 health plan.

December 15, 2025: Last day to select a new health plan for coverage that begins on January 1, 2026.

December 16, 2025 through January 15, 2026: Open enrollment extension period for coverage that begins February 1, 2026.

December 31, 2025: The last day of your current LifeWise health plan.

January 1, 2026: New plan year starts.

How we’re working to elevate the LifeWise experience for every member

All-new member account portal

Enjoy a faster, easier, and mobile-friendly experience.

Sign in to your account

Refreshed website

LifeWise.com offers member-inspired improvements in navigation, search, and upgrades that speed up your entire site experience.

Neighborhood Kinwell clinics

Now with 16 locations statewide, Kinwell offers easy and timely access to primary care, in person or with a virtual appointment from anywhere.

Find a Kinwell clinic near you

Expanding access to care

In 2025, LifeWise offered health plans to more counties than any other Washington health plan organization. In 2026, LifeWise will offer service to 31 Washington counties, again among the top carriers in the state.

Read more about access

Related articles about the premium subsidies

Everett Herald: LifeWise president and CEO Kristin Meadows comments on how the Loss of ACA tax credits puts local families at risk

Juneau Empire: LifeWise president and CEO Kristin Meadows comments on how Alaskans share the impact of health care tax credits and on the hazards of their expiration

Washington Health Benefit Exchange: CEO statement on federal government shutdown

Governor.wa.gov: Leaders urge extension of critical affordable health care tax credits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my options for lowering my premium?

You can view our other plans on our websites and review options there using Quick Quote to see if there is another plan that may better meet your needs.

How do I know if I currently have an enhanced premium tax credit (ePTC)?

Currently, invoices only show the full advanced premium tax credit, (APTC), and not which portion represents the ePTC. APTCs were launched with the initial ACA rollout in 2010 and are not subject to expiration on December 31, 2025. However, qualifying requirements of APTC subsidies will change.

To identify which portion of your premium is currently subsidized by ePTCs, you may log in to your wahealthplanfinder.org account and view which portion of the APTC is the ePTC.

Here's how to view your full APTC on your LifeWise invoice:

  • Login to your account through the member portal
  • Using the drop-down menu at the top of the page, select My Account > Invoices.
  • When viewing your invoice, any tax credits that apply to your monthly health plan premium can be found under “Current Coverage” listed just below your medical premium.

What happens if I miss the deadline for open enrollment in Washington?

The open enrollment deadline for coverage that begins on January 1, 2026 is December 15, 2025. If you miss that date, you can use the extended open enrollment period that runs from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

If you enroll in a 2026 plan during the extended period, your coverage would begin on February 1, 2026.

Outside of the primary and extended open enrollment periods, there’s special enrollment. With a qualifying life event, you can use special enrollment to sign up for a new health plan. Without a qualifying life event, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Read more about special enrollment and see a list of qualifying events.

With ACA enhanced premium subsidies set to expire after 2025, what should I consider for my family when choosing a 2026 plan?

When shopping for a 2026 individual health plan for you and your family, consider the following:

  • Costs: Total premiums, deductibles, and copays on plans you’re reviewing and compare with other plans.
  • Switching plans: If you find that you can no longer afford your 2025 plan, think about switching to a different plan during the current open enrollment period. You may mind that another plan can provide similar coverage, better value, and a more affordable premium.
  • In-network providers: Check to see if your preferred doctors are in network for the plan you are considering.
  • Medications: Make sure necessary medications are included in any plans you are considering.
  • Subsidy: While enhanced premium subsidies are expiring for 2026, original ACA subsidies may still be available to you. Find out. The LifeWise Quick Quote tool will show you plan options that include subsidies for which you may still qualify.
  • Customer service: Plan changes for 2026 may be confusing. Reach out to our customer service team for more answers. Our preferred brokers can also help you make the best choices on a plan for you and your family.

LifeWise customer service

800-817-3056, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT

Find a broker

If I’m overwhelmed by choices, what is the simplest process to follow when choosing a health insurance plan?

Stay focused on your primary needs, including costs, network, and covered medications. Eliminate plans that appear the farthest away from meeting your needs and goals in a plan. Based on your goals and needs, which of the finalists brings the most value?

If the choice isn’t clear and you’re still having trouble deciding, it’s probably time to contact a preferred plan broker for assistance. A preferred plan broker can help you make the choice that’s right for you and your family, including plans that offer the best value and provide the benefits and coverage you need. There is no extra charge for service from one of our preferred plan brokers.

Find a broker

What should members know about income changes and how they could affect subsidy eligibility or repayment?

While the enhanced premium credits are expiring, the original subsidies within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remain, but with changes connected to income.

For one, the original "subsidy cliff” is set to return, meaning people with incomes within 400% or more of the poverty level would not qualify for a subsidy.

Another major change is regarding repayment of excess credits. People who underestimate their income at enrollment, and therefore receive a higher subsidy credit, will have to repay the excess credits at tax time.

Sources:

  1. KitsapSun.com, Insurance subsidy at center of government shutdown
  2. WAhealthplanfinder.org, 2026 Cost Increase Information | Washington Healthplanfinder

Information contained in the LifeWise blog applies to LifeWise members enrolled in individual marketplace plans purchased through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.