Public Option Watch: High Premiums, Low Participation In Washington State

WASHINGTON – As politicians in some state capitals discuss creating new state government-controlled health insurance systems known as the public option or state government option, there is a growing body of research and chorus of opposition warning of the unaffordable costs and consequences. 

• Only one state has created a state government option, with results thus far showing increased costs and unintended consequences. 
  • In Washington, the state government option is resulting in higher premiums than private-sector plans. (Bloomberg, 11/18/20)
  • The state government option plans offered through Washington’s Affordable Care Act exchange cost as much as 29 percent more than traditional plans. (Bloomberg, 11/18/20)
  • There has been unsatisfactory provider participation. (Bloomberg, 11/18/20)
  • In fact, out of the 220,000 Washington residents that signed up for new health care plans this year, only 1,900 chose the state government option. (The Hill, 5/21/21)   

To learn more about the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future, CLICK HERE.