OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – Washington state’s insurance commissioner says that 10
percent of the average premium increase that customers of the state’s individual
health insurance market will see is due to President Donald Trump’s decision to
stop paying federal subsidies to insurers.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said Thursday that in total, the average
premium increase this year will jump more than 36 percent.

The rate announcement comes a day after a U.S. judge in California rejected a
request from 18 states – including Washington – and the District of Columbia to
force the Trump administration to resume paying “Obamacare” subsidies right
away.

Consumers who qualify for tax credits to help pay their silver premiums will
still receive them.

Eleven health insurers are approved to sell 74 plans in Washington’s
individual health insurance market next year.

Open enrollment for the state exchange begins Wednesday and ends Jan. 15.

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