Affordable Health Insurance in Washington: Compare 2026 Plans
Top-rated ACA Marketplace plans in Washington ranked by official quality scores, plus the lowest-premium Bronze options and APTC subsidy estimates. Plans are displayed based on federal marketplace data — not broker recommendations or paid placements.
What is the best health insurance in Washington?
The best ACA health insurance in Washington (WA) depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and expected medical use — not just premium. 60 ACA plans are currently available. Policymage ranks plans by official quality ratings, value, and network type using live marketplace data near Seattle.
Last updated: August 28, 2026 · Source: Official Marketplace Data
Rankings are based on official star ratings (clinical quality, member experience, plan efficiency) and premium data from the federal marketplace. Policymage is not a licensed insurance broker — we display data, not recommendations. Prices reflect a 30-year-old near Seattle, WA before subsidies.
$474/mo
Avg Bronze Premium
17
Insurers Available
60
Plans Listed
Washington Healthplanfinder
Exchange Type
Health Insurance Carriers in Washington
Lowest Available Premium
$222.07/mo
Before subsidies · 30-year-old
Avg Bronze Plan
$474/mo
18 plans in Washington
Avg Silver (Subsidy Benchmark)
$730/mo
Eligible for CSR cost reductions
Top Picks by Category
Best Overall
Highest quality rating with competitive premium
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Best Value
Lowest out-of-pocket cost relative to premium
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Best for Families
Child dental, maternity, and family deductible coverage
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Best HSA Plan
HSA-eligible — save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
Most Affordable
Lowest monthly premium available in state
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
OOP: $0
All Top-Rated Plans in Washington
Sorted by official quality rating · Prices near Seattle · 30-year-old, no subsidies
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
Community Health Plan Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Bronze
Community Health Plan
$318.30/mo
Ded: $0
Ambetter from Coordinated Care Ambetter Cascade Select Bronze
Ambetter from Coordinated Care
$334.52/mo
Ded: $0
Community Health Plan Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Vital Gold
Community Health Plan
$404.99/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Bronze HSA
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$414.22/mo
Ded: $0
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc. Molina Cascade Bronze
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc.
$415.98/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington VisitsPlus Bronze
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$421.48/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Kaiser Permanente Cascade Bronze
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$422.04/mo
Ded: $0
Ambetter from Coordinated Care Ambetter Cascade Select Vital Gold
Ambetter from Coordinated Care
$424.07/mo
Ded: $0
Community Health Plan Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Complete Gold
Community Health Plan
$433.09/mo
Ded: $0
Rankings based on official star ratings from federal marketplace data. Premiums are estimated for a 30-year-old near Seattle without subsidies. Your actual options and prices vary by ZIP code, age, and household income. Get your personalized results →
APTC Subsidy Income Thresholds (2026)
Based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. Your subsidy eligibility depends on your exact household size and income.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Medicaid min) | 138% FPL (Medicaid max) | 250% FPL (CSR eligible) | 400% FPL (APTC range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $20,783 | $37,650 | $60,240 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $28,207 | $51,100 | $81,760 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $35,632 | $64,550 | $103,280 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $43,056 | $78,000 | $124,800 |
Thresholds are for the 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL amounts. Enhanced subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act mean there is no hard income cap — households above 400% FPL may still qualify for reduced premiums.
Lowest-Cost Plans Available in Washington
Bronze and Catastrophic plans near Seattle, WA · 30-year-old · Before subsidies
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$222.07/mo
Ded: $0
Community Health Plan Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Bronze
Community Health Plan
$318.30/mo
Ded: $0
Ambetter from Coordinated Care Ambetter Cascade Select Bronze
Ambetter from Coordinated Care
$334.52/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Bronze HSA
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$414.22/mo
Ded: $0
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc. Molina Cascade Bronze
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc.
$415.98/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington VisitsPlus Bronze
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$421.48/mo
Ded: $0
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Kaiser Permanente Cascade Bronze
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$422.04/mo
Ded: $0
Regence BlueShield Bronze Essential 8500
Regence BlueShield
$444.93/mo
Ded: $0
These are list prices before subsidies for a 30-year-old near Seattle. With APTC, your actual monthly cost can be much lower. See your subsidized price →
Bronze vs Silver: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
- Lowest monthly premium
- Highest deductibles & copays
- Best for healthy people who rarely use care
- HSA-eligible plans often available
- Not eligible for CSR cost reductions
- Mid-range premium
- Benchmark for APTC subsidy calculation
- Eligible for CSR cost reductions (100–250% FPL)
- With CSR: deductibles can drop to $300–$700
- Often the cheapest total cost with subsidies
Key insight: If your income is 100%–250% FPL, a Silver plan with CSR is almost always the better deal — even if the listed premium is higher. CSR reduces your deductible and copays significantly, making the Silver plan cheaper in total annual cost.
How to Choose a Plan in Washington
1Check subsidy eligibility first
If your household income is between 100%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for APTC to reduce your premium. Some Washington residents qualify for $0/month Silver plans. Enter your income in the compare tool to see your options.
2Consider your healthcare usage
If you rarely see doctors, a Bronze plan with lower premiums may save you money. If you have chronic conditions or take regular prescriptions, a Gold or Silver plan with lower cost-sharing may be cheaper overall.
3Check if your doctors are in-network
HMO plans require you to use in-network providers and get referrals for specialists. PPO plans offer more flexibility. Verify your preferred doctors and hospitals accept your plan before enrolling.
4Estimate your total annual cost
Look beyond the monthly premium. Add up the premium × 12, plus your expected deductible and copay costs. A lower-premium Bronze plan can cost more total if you need regular care.
More Washington Health Insurance Guides
HSA-Eligible Plans in Washington
High-deductible health plans in Washington that qualify you to open a pre-tax Health Savings Account. Includes 2025 IRS contribution limits.
View guide Cost GuideAverage Cost of Health Insurance by State
See how Washington's premiums compare to the national average, by metal tier.
View guideHealth Insurance by County in Washington
Plan availability, premiums and participating insurers vary by county within Washington. Pick your county to see what is actually sold there.
- Adams
- Asotin
- Benton
- Clark
- Columbia
- Cowlitz
- Ferry
- Franklin
- Garfield
- Grant
- Grays Harbor
- Island
- King
- Kitsap
- Kittitas
- Klickitat
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Mason
- Okanogan
- Olympic Peninsula — Washington
- Pacific
- Pend Oreille
- Pierce
- San Juan
- Skagit
- Skamania
- Snohomish
- Spokane
- Stevens
- Thurston
- Wahkiakum
- Walla Walla
- Wenatchee & Lake Chelan Area — Central Washington
- Whatcom
- Whitman
- Yakima
Affordable, budget, and low-cost ACA plans in Washington
Whether you're searching for cheap, affordable, budget-friendly, low-cost, inexpensive, economical, or discount health insurance in Washington, every ACA Marketplace plan available through Washington Healthplanfinder must cover the same 10 Essential Health Benefits set by federal law — preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, mental health, and more. No Marketplace plan can deny you for a pre-existing condition or charge you more for being sick.
The only real differences between a "cheap" plan and an expensive one are the monthly premium, the metal tier, the provider network, and how much you pay out of pocket when you actually use care.
Below we break down every way to find lower-cost coverage in Washington so you can match a plan to both your budget and your expected medical needs. For the strategies that apply in every state — subsidy eligibility, metal-tier choice, HSA savings, and Medicaid — see our national guide to affordable health insurance.
You might know Washington as WA or Washington State — the plans and pricing below are the same no matter which name you use.
Budget Marketplace coverage in Washington
Bronze-tier plans have the lowest monthly premium of any metal level in Washington, making them the budget choice for healthy adults who rarely visit the doctor. Expect a high deductible (often $7,500+) in exchange for the low monthly cost. If you qualify for the Premium Tax Credit (APTC), your effective premium can drop significantly — many Washington residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage after subsidies are applied.
Low-cost Silver plans & Cost-Sharing Reductions
Silver-tier plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR), which lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum if your household income is between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. For Washington residents in that income range, an enhanced Silver plan often beats a Bronze plan on total annual cost — the slightly higher premium is more than offset by far lower costs when you receive care.
Discount HSA-eligible HDHP options
HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) in Washington let you contribute pre-tax dollars to a Health Savings Account. For 2026 IRS limits, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 and families up to $8,550. Unused funds roll over year to year — and after age 65, you can withdraw for any expense without penalty. An HDHP pairs a low, economical premium with a tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
Cheap catastrophic plans (under 30 only)
Washington residents under 30 — or those with a hardship/affordability exemption — may qualify for catastrophic coverage. Premiums are the lowest of any tier, but the deductible equals the federal out-of-pocket maximum (~$9,200 in 2025) so it's true emergency-only coverage. Catastrophic plans don't qualify for APTC subsidies.
Inexpensive HMO vs. PPO networks in Washington (WA)
Network type is one of the biggest levers on price in Washington. HMO and EPO plans restrict you to an in-network provider list but carry noticeably lower premiums, making them the most inexpensive structure for most residents. PPO plans cost more but let you see out-of-network providers. If your preferred doctors are in an HMO network, it's usually the most value-efficient choice.
Finding the best value (lowest total cost) in Washington
The cheapest premium isn't always the most affordable plan overall. The smart way to shop in Washington is to estimate your total annual cost — premium × 12, plus your expected deductible and copays — rather than chasing the lowest sticker price. A modest mid-tier plan can be the best value if you take regular prescriptions or see specialists. Enter your ZIP, age, and income in our compare tool to rank plans by real total cost after subsidies, not just headline premium.
Health insurance companies in Washington
These are the major health insurers that have offered ACA Marketplace plans to Washington residents in recent plan years. Carrier participation and the counties each insurer serves change every year, so always confirm current availability for your ZIP code on Washington Healthplanfinder before enrolling. Every plan from every carrier below covers the same federally-required Essential Health Benefits — they differ on premium, provider network, and which doctors and hospitals are in-network.
Before choosing an insurer in Washington, look up each plan's provider directory on Washington Healthplanfinder and confirm your doctors, preferred hospitals, and prescription drugs are covered in-network. Network fit usually matters more than a small premium difference.
How to enroll in ACA health insurance in Washington
Washington residents shop for ACA-compliant Marketplace plans through Washington Healthplanfinder. Open Enrollment for plan year 2026 runs from November 1 through January 15 for Washington Healthplanfinder residents. Outside that window, you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, move) to enroll mid-year via a Special Enrollment Period.
- 1
Gather your household details
Estimate your 2026 household income (gross, before taxes), everyone you'll claim as a tax dependent, current health insurance status, and your Washington ZIP code.
- 2
Compare plans across metal tiers
Use a free comparison tool to see Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans side by side. Pay attention to monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors are in-network.
- 3
Check subsidy eligibility (APTC + CSR)
Enter your projected household income — Washington Healthplanfinder will calculate your Advance Premium Tax Credit and tell you if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions on Silver plans.
- 4
Enroll directly through Washington Healthplanfinder
Submit your application at www.wahealthplanfinder.org/. Coverage starts January 1 if you enroll by December 15 (or earlier in some states), or February 1 for later December enrollments.
- 5
Pay your first premium to activate
Coverage is not active until your insurer receives your first premium payment. You'll receive payment instructions directly from the carrier within a few business days of enrollment.
Medicaid eligibility in Washington
Washington has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $22,025/year for an individual, $45,540/year for a family of 4), you likely qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid instead of a Marketplace plan.
Washington Medicaid is administered through managed care organizations (MCOs) including Premera Blue Cross, Regence BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare. Which plan is best depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions — not a single statewide winner.
Medicaid in Washington covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive screenings, mental health care, and more. There's no Open Enrollment window — you can apply year-round. Apply directly through your state Medicaid office or Washington's marketplace, which will check your eligibility automatically.
APTC subsidy examples for Washington households
The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) caps what Washington residents pay for the benchmark Silver plan as a percentage of household income. Through the Inflation Reduction Act extension, the 400% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) cliff is suspended through 2025 — households above 400% FPL still qualify for APTC if benchmark Silver exceeds 8.5% of income.
| Household size | Annual income | % of FPL | Capped premium share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | 150% | ~4% of income |
| 1 person | $39,900 | 250% | ~6% of income |
| 2 persons | $43,280 | 200% | ~4% of income |
| 4 persons | $82,500 | 250% | ~6% of income |
| 4 persons | $132,000 | 400% | ~8.5% of income |
Federal Poverty Level figures use the 2025 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states & DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL thresholds. Actual subsidy depends on your county's benchmark Silver premium, household composition, and tax filing status. Always verify with official Marketplace before enrolling.
Top counties in Washington for ACA plans
Plan availability, premiums, and participating insurers vary by county within Washington. These are the five most populous counties — open one to see the plans, premiums and insurers available there.
More Washington health insurance guides
Frequently asked questions about ACA insurance in Washington
What is the health insurance marketplace in Washington?
The Washington (WA) health insurance marketplace is Washington Healthplanfinder (https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/), a state-based ACA exchange where residents compare and enroll in qualified health plans. Policymage lists 60 plans with live premium data. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15.
How do I compare health insurance plans in Washington?
Use policymage.com/get-quotes: enter your ZIP code, household ages, and income. Policymage fetches ACA Marketplace plans for your county, calculates APTC subsidies, and lets you compare up to 3 plans side-by-side on premium, deductible, network, and benefits. Free, no account, no broker bias. Plans in Washington start from $222.07/month before subsidies.
Which Medicaid plan is best in Washington?
There is no single "best" Medicaid plan in Washington — Medicaid is administered through MCOs such as Premera Blue Cross, Regence BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente. The right plan depends on your county, doctors, and prescriptions. Medicaid (income up to 138% FPL, ~$22,025/year for an individual) is separate from ACA Marketplace plans at Washington Healthplanfinder. Apply year-round through your state Medicaid office.
Is short-term health insurance available in Washington?
Short-term health insurance is sold outside the ACA Marketplace in Washington by private insurers. These plans are not ACA-compliant: they can exclude pre-existing conditions, skip Essential Health Benefits, and lack guaranteed renewal. For comprehensive coverage with subsidies, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan at Washington Healthplanfinder during Open Enrollment (Nov 1–January 15). See policymage.com/faq for more on short-term vs ACA plans.
How much is health insurance in Washington State?
Health insurance in Washington State starts as low as $222.07/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. Most Washington residents who qualify for APTC pay significantly less — some as low as $0/month for a Silver plan.
What is the cheapest health insurance option in Washington State for 2026?
The cheapest ACA option in Washington State for 2026 is typically a Bronze-tier plan or, for residents under 30, a catastrophic plan — both carry the lowest monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible. Compare exact Washington plans and prices at policymage.com/get-quotes.
How do I get health insurance in Washington?
To get health insurance in Washington, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan through Washington Healthplanfinder during Open Enrollment, which runs November 1 through January 15. Plans start at $222.07/month before subsidies. You need your ZIP code, household size, and estimated annual income to apply. Outside Open Enrollment you need a Qualifying Life Event — job loss, marriage, birth, or a move — to enrol through a Special Enrollment Period.
What is the best health insurance in Washington?
There is no single best health insurance plan in Washington — the right one depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and how much care you expect to use. Policymage compares 60 Washington plans on premium, deductible, network, and quality rating. As a rule: Silver offers the best value if your income qualifies you for Cost-Sharing Reductions, Bronze has the lowest monthly premium, and Gold costs less overall if you have ongoing medical needs.
How much is health insurance in Washington per month?
Health insurance in Washington starts at $222.07 per month for a Bronze plan for a 30-year-old, before subsidies. Most residents who qualify for APTC tax credits pay considerably less, and some pay $0/month for a Silver plan. Your exact monthly cost depends on age, county, household size, and tobacco use.
How do I get free health insurance in Washington?
Free or near-free coverage in Washington comes from two routes. Medicaid covers adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — roughly $22,025/year for an individual — and you can apply year-round. Above that, APTC subsidies bring many Silver Marketplace plans to $0/month for Washington residents on lower incomes.
When does Open Enrollment end in Washington for ACA plans?
Open Enrollment for Washington residents runs from November 1 through January 15. Washington runs its own exchange (Washington Healthplanfinder), which set the January 15 deadline. Outside Open Enrollment, you need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.
How much does health insurance cost in Washington?
Bronze-tier plans in Washington start as low as $222.07/month for a 30-year-old before subsidies. With APTC tax credits, many Washington residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage. Costs vary by age, county, tobacco use, and household size.
Does Washington use HealthCare.gov or its own state exchange?
Washington runs its own state-based Marketplace called Washington Healthplanfinder (https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/). You enroll there directly — not at HealthCare.gov. Plan offerings, enrollment dates, and customer support are managed by Washington, not the federal government.
Has Washington expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
Yes. Washington has expanded Medicaid, so adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $22,025/year for an individual) qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid. There's no Open Enrollment window — you can apply year-round.
What are the income limits for ACA subsidies in Washington?
Premium Tax Credit eligibility starts at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $15,960/year for an individual or $33,000/year for a family of 4. Washington residents above 400% FPL still qualify if benchmark Silver costs more than 8.5% of their income. Use the Washington Healthplanfinder subsidy calculator for your exact estimate.
What are the metal tiers in Washington (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?
Washington ACA plans come in four metal tiers based on actuarial value (the percentage of medical costs the plan covers on average): Bronze (~60%), Silver (~70%), Gold (~80%), and Platinum (~90%). Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductible; Platinum has the highest premium and lowest deductible. Silver is the "benchmark" tier used to calculate APTC subsidies, and it's the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions if you qualify by income.
Are HSA-eligible plans available in Washington?
Yes. HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are available in Washington through Washington Healthplanfinder. For 2026, HDHPs must have a deductible of at least $1,650 (individual) or $3,300 (family), and you can contribute up to $4,300 (individual) or $8,550 (family) to your HSA pre-tax. HSA contributions roll over year-to-year and can be invested.
Do Washington ACA plans cover dental and vision?
Washington ACA Marketplace plans for adults include preventive care, mental health, prescriptions, hospitalization, and the 10 Essential Health Benefits — but adult dental and vision are not federally required. Most Washington plans cover pediatric dental and vision automatically. For adult dental/vision, you typically buy a separate standalone plan through Washington Healthplanfinder or directly from an insurer.
What is a Qualifying Life Event for Special Enrollment in Washington?
Outside Open Enrollment, Washington residents can enroll in or change ACA plans within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event: loss of other health coverage, marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new county or state, a change in income that affects subsidy eligibility, becoming a US citizen, or release from incarceration. Have documentation ready when applying through Washington Healthplanfinder.
How do I find in-network doctors and hospitals in Washington?
Each Washington ACA plan has its own provider network. Before enrolling, look up the plan on Washington Healthplanfinder, click the carrier name to access their provider directory, and search for your specific doctors and preferred hospitals by name. Out-of-network care typically isn't covered (HMO plans) or costs significantly more (PPO plans). If you have an existing provider relationship, network match is usually more important than the lowest premium.
Find the Right Plan for Your Situation
Enter your ZIP code, age, and income to see all Washington plans available to you — with your actual subsidy applied.
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