Health insurance costs for people who buy individual coverage through the Affordable Care Act could spike next year, affecting thousands of people across Washington state.

Policy analysts are warning that the expiration of some premium tax credits next January will lead to significant out-of-pocket premiums – perhaps up to 75% higher – for ACA marketplace enrollees in Washington state.

According to an analysis from Kaiser Family Foundation, this could increase by 75% for the average person, while people in rural communities could see an increase of much more, both individuals and families.

“A 60-year-old couple living in Pend Oreille County could see their monthly premiums increase from $581 to $1,835,” said Matthew McGough, a policy analyst at Kaiser.

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