Medigap rate increases in Washington

How premiums go up in Washington

In states that allow age rating, your premium can rise for two reasons: you got older, and the insurer raised rates. In Washington, only the second applies. An insurer files proposed premiums with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Once approved, the new rate applies to every policyholder in that plan and rating pool at their next billing date after the effective date.

What drives increases: medical inflation, how much the insurer actually pays in claims for its Washington policyholders, and the age mix of its pool. A plan closed to new buyers (Plans C and F since 2020) tends to see its pool age faster, which can push its increases higher.

Current rate dates on the state chart

The OIC's approved Medigap chart lists when each insurer's current Washington rates took effect. A recent date means a recent rate change; it doesn't tell you whether the change was up or down, or by how much.

1. Compare your plan letter across insurers. If you have Plan B through N, Washington lets you switch insurers at any time without health questions.
2. Compare plan letters. If you have Plan F, compare Plan G; if you have Plan G and rarely see doctors, look at Plan N or high-deductible G. See Plan F vs Plan G and Plan G vs Plan N.
3. Check discounts. Household and payment-method discounts are the only ones Washington allows.
4. Keep the old policy until the new one is approved and in force.