Health Insurance Plans in Pierce County, Washington (2026)
64 ACA marketplace (Obamacare) plans are available in Pierce County, WA, from 9 insurers. The cheapest plan starts at $297.49/month before subsidies (Catastrophic plans, for under-30s, from $224.96).
That is the lowest starting price of the 37 county areas we track in Washington, 9% below the statewide median of $326.89.
Last updated: October 10, 2026 · Source: Official Marketplace Data · How we calculate this
Looking for Washington as a whole? See what health insurance costs per month in Washington.
Covers Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, Bonney Lake, Edgewood and nearby communities.
64
Plans Available
$297.49
Cheapest Plan/mo
9
Insurers
Washington Healthplanfinder
Exchange
Insurers With the Cheapest Plans in Pierce
Plans Available in Pierce
Sorted by monthly premium · 30-year-old · Before subsidies
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Basics Plus Catastrophic
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$224.96/mo
Ded: $10,600
Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Bronze
Community Health Plan
$297.49/mo
Ded: $6,000
Ambetter Cascade Select Bronze
Ambetter from Coordinated Care
$336.09/mo
Ded: $6,000
LifeWise Cascade Select Bronze
LifeWise Health Plan of WA
$373.83/mo
Ded: $6,000
Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Vital Gold
Community Health Plan
$378.51/mo
Ded: $1,900
Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Complete Gold
Community Health Plan
$404.77/mo
Ded: $1,000
Molina Cascade Bronze
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc.
$416.11/mo
Ded: $6,000
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Bronze HSA
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington
$419.60/mo
Ded: $5,500
Average Premiums in Pierce
Avg Bronze Plan
$474/mo
19 plans
Avg Silver Plan
$730/mo
Eligible for CSR cost reductions
Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Limits in Pierce
The premium is what you pay monthly; the deductible is what you pay before the plan starts sharing costs, and the out-of-pocket maximum is the most you can pay in a year. A cheaper premium usually means a higher deductible.
| Metal tier | Plans | Typical deductible | Deductible range | Typical out-of-pocket max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 19 | $6,000 | $5,500–$10,150 | $10,150 |
| Silver | 16 | $2,500 | $0–$8,200 | $9,750 |
| Gold | 28 | $1,225 | $500–$2,100 | $7,500 |
| Catastrophic | 1 | $10,600 | $10,600 | $10,600 |
Typical is the middle plan in each tier, not an average, since one $0-deductible variant would otherwise drag the figure below anything on offer. Silver plans can carry much lower deductibles than shown if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions. Check what you qualify for.
$0 and low-cost health insurance in Pierce County
At $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty level), a 40-year-old in Pierce County can get at least 3 Bronze plans for $0 a month after the premium tax credit.
| Age | Income $23,940 (150% of poverty level) | Income $31,920 (200% of poverty level) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | $0 (3+ plans) | $0 |
| 40 | $0 (3+ plans) | $0 |
| 60 | $0 (5+ plans) | $0 (3+ plans) |
Medicaid: Washington expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the poverty level ($22,025 a year for one person, $45,540 for a family of four) usually qualify, and can apply any time of year.
Washington adds its own help: Cascade Care Savings. Who qualifies
2026 premiums in Pierce County, scaled by age with the CMS age curve; the credit uses the 2026 IRS percentages. "Or less" and "+" are because the credit is based on the second-cheapest Silver plan and only the cheapest plans are counted, both of which can only make the real figure better. Federal credit only, non-smokers. Income limits · Calculate your own credit
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Health Insurance in Washington
Compare Washington's lowest-premium plans. See how Pierce's $297.49/mo starting premium compares to the statewide picture.
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Enter your ZIP, age, and income for Pierce to see subsidy-adjusted prices.
Compare plansFrequently 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 64 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 4 plans side-by-side on premium, deductible, network, and benefits. Free, no account, no broker bias. Plans in Washington start from $297.49/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 (November 1 to 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 $297.49/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. Most Washington residents who qualify for APTC pay significantly less. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $0 a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $55 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit.
What is the cheapest health insurance option in Washington State for 2027?
The cheapest ACA option in Washington State for 2027 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 $297.49/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; total annual cost depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and how much care you use. Policymage does not recommend plans. It lets you compare 64 Washington plans on premium, deductible, network, and quality rating. Total annual cost is the premium × 12 plus your expected deductible and copays. Cost-Sharing Reductions lower deductibles and copays for incomes between 100% and 250% FPL, and apply only to Silver plans.
How much is health insurance in Washington per month?
Health insurance in Washington starts at $297.49 per month for a Bronze plan for a 30-year-old, before subsidies. Most residents who qualify for APTC tax credits pay considerably less. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $0 a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $55 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit. Your exact monthly cost depends on age, county, household size, and tobacco use.
Is ACA health insurance available in Washington?
Yes. ACA Marketplace plans are sold in every county of Washington through its own exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder. Near the state's largest city there are 64 plans to compare, starting at $297.49 a month before subsidies. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15; outside it you need a Qualifying Life Event.
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 Bronze 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?
Health insurance in Washington starts as low as $297.49/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. For a 40-year-old, the cheapest Bronze plan comes to $0 a month at $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty line) and $55 or less a month at $39,900 a year (250% of the poverty line) after the tax credit. 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 credits cover household income from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $15,960 to $63,840 a year for an individual, or $33,000 to $132,000 for a family of 4. Below 138% FPL most adults qualify for Medicaid instead. Above 400% FPL there is no credit in 2027: the enhanced rules that removed that limit expired after 2025. Use the Washington Healthplanfinder subsidy calculator for your exact estimate.
Does Washington have its own health insurance subsidy?
Yes. Cascade Care Savings: Residents with income up to 250% of the poverty level who choose a Cascade Care Silver or Gold plan through Washington Healthplanfinder can get state premium help, funded through plan year 2027. This is in addition to the federal premium tax credit.
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 $1,700 (individual) or $3,400 (family), and you can contribute up to $4,400 (individual) or $8,750 (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). Out-of-network costs can exceed the premium difference between plans.
Compare Plans in Pierce
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