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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.

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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.

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.

Sources:

KitsapSun.com, Insurance subsidy at center of government shutdown
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.