Washington State Sees A Drop In Insurance Coverage After Loss Of Tax Credits

By Jake Goldstein-Street

(Washington State Standard) -- About 19,000 fewer Washingtonians enrolled in health insurance through the state’s online marketplace amid the loss of federal subsidies.

The decline didn’t appear to be as precipitous as feared. State officials had predicted 80,000 people would forgo coverage if Congress didn’t extend the enhanced premium tax credits for those purchasing the policies. 

But officials fear the drop could get steeper in the coming months as enrollees fail to pay premiums.