Washington's uninsured population spikes

The number of people without insurance jumped statewide during the pandemic. Washington’s uninsured rate went from just over 6% pre-Covid, to 13%.

The trend was similar in King County.

“We went from 5.6% uninsured, way up to 13% uninsured,” said Ingrid Ulrey, policy director at Public Health Seattle and King County. “So really, it’s just a travesty as people lost their jobs, lost their health insurance.”

Ulrey says as of late September, we’re almost back to pre-Covid rates at just under 7%.

“It has improved because we have this safety net through the Affordable Care Act, that people who’ve lost their employer-based insurance are able to enroll in Medicaid or Exchange plans with subsidies.”

Ulrey’s biggest worry is if the Supreme Court invalidates the Affordable Care Act. She estimates that about 150,000 residents who are eligible for Medicaid will immediately lose coverage.

For people who want to switch health plans, it’s open enrollment period. And for those shopping for one, premiums will be a little lower, said state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler.

“This year there was a decrease in average rate, and the average rate, projected for 2021 … there will be a rate decrease for 2021.”

Kreidler says financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Open enrollment starts November 1st and runs through December 15.