Over the past decade, health insurance premiums for Washington workers covered through their employers rose 49% while the costs of individual plans more than doubled. Those were among the key findings in a preliminary report prepared by the state Insurance Commissioner’s Office delivered to the legislature this month.

This brief answers the question, “Why are health care prices so high in Washington?”

Based on reports from the Insurance Commissioner’s office and the state Attorney General, the Economic Opportunity Institute is asking state lawmakers to do more to address consolidation and sharply rising costs.

Consumers and businesses say reports issued by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner and the Attorney General provide the legislature with tools to take the action needed in the next legislative session.

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner presentation to the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee on ground ambulance balance billing practices.

This brief examines how high health care prices are affecting Washingtonians.

Washington State Health Care Authority Director Sue Birch co-authors a commentary outlining how working with providers, payers and other stakeholders to set statewide cost growth targets can have an impact on health care costs.

Health insurance premiums paid by more than 200,000 Washington residents will increase by an average of nearly 9% next year, with some rising by as much as 17.8%.

In the wake of the OIC announcement of an 8.9% average health insurance rate increase for 2024, consumer groups call on the legislature to take action.

This video series highlights high health care prices and the impact they have on health care costs and affordability and the policy solutions that can make a difference.