Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington (2026)

Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care Corporation and Kaiser Permanente offer the cheapest health insurance plans in Washington for the 2026 plan year.

Discover affordable health insurance in Washington below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: May 11, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Community Health Plan of Washington offers the lowest health insurance rates in Washington at $499 per month, making it the top choice for budget-conscious residents seeking comprehensive coverage.

Community Health Plan of Washington provides the most affordable options for teens, young adults, adults, seniors and HMO plans in Washington, with Coordinated Care Corporation offering competitive HMO rates and Kaiser Permanente leading in EPO coverage affordability.

Shop smart by determining your ideal coverage level first, verify subsidy qualification through HealthCare.gov, and request quotes from multiple insurers.

Washington health insurance is sold through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state's own exchange, rather than the federal HealthCare.gov portal. Plan availability is county-based, not statewide, so the carriers in the table below may not all be options where you live.

Washington's Medicaid program, Apple Health, covers residents below certain income levels at no premium cost. For those who earn too much for Apple Health but still qualify for financial help, Cascade Care Savings plans reduce out-of-pocket costs beyond the standard premium tax credit. These state-specific programs change which plan tier makes sense before you compare a single rate. Community Health Plan of Washington offers the lowest rates in Washington at $499 monthly, based on MoneyGeek's 2026 analysis of plans available on Washington Healthplanfinder.

Two questions worth answering before you compare premiums: Do you qualify for Apple Health or Cascade Care Savings? If yes, your actual cost will be lower than any rate in the table below. Do you have a doctor or hospital you need to keep? Community Health Plan of Washington's EPO plans require you to stay in-network, so network access matters as much as price for some shoppers.

Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in Washington

Community Health Plan of Washington charges $499 monthly on average statewide, $184 less per month than the state average across all carriers in our analysis. But the more useful finding is what happens at the bottom of the rate table. The $338 monthly gap between Community Health Plan and BridgeSpan represents $4,056 per year for coverage at the same Bronze tier. That spread is large enough to change the math on whether a Gold plan makes sense.

Counties restrict which plans you can buy, so your local options won't match statewide availability. In our data, Community Health Plan consistently undercuts competitors regardless of county, but in some tiers its plans exceed the state average by 14%. The cheapest company overall is not always the cheapest plan for your age and tier.


Community Health Plan of Washington	$499	$184	$5,988	$2,208
Coordinated Care Corporation	$530	$153	$6,360	$1,836
Kaiser Permanente	$626	$57	$7,512	$684
LifeWise Health Plan of Washington	$648	$35	$7,776	$420
Molina Healthcare	$667	$16	$8,004	$192
Wellcare Health	$701	$18	$8,412	$216
UnitedHealthcare of Oregon, Inc.	$818	$135	$9,816	$1,620
BridgeSpan	$837	$154	$10,044	$1,848
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$850	$167	$10,200	$2,004

* We calculate average monthly rates by taking the rounded average of each provider’s monthly plan rates in North Carolina. We calculate average monthly savings by subtracting the statewide average monthly rate from each provider’s average to show how much cheaper they are than the overall state average. Your actual rates will vary based on age, location and chosen plan.

The savings column in our data shows a pattern worth acting on: the gap between first and second place is only $31 per month, but the gap between second and third jumps to $9_6._ Coordinated Care Corporation is a genuine alternative to Community Health Plan for budget-conscious shoppers. The remaining carriers trail by a margin that adds up across a full plan year.

Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

2.5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$499
Average MOOP
$8,650
Average Deductible
$2,967

pros
- Ranks first in the state for overall quality and affordability
- Wide network of community-based providers available
- Strong emphasis on preventive care programs
cons
- Only offers EPO plans with no HMO or PPO options
- Authorization required for certain specialty services
Community Health Plan of Washington charges $499 monthly statewide on average. Members access care through the insurer's network of hospitals and physicians across Washington. A 60-year-old pays $1,712 monthly for EPO Gold plans while the insurer's lowest available rates serve younger adults at significantly lower premiums. Age drives most of the cost variation across Community Health Plan's plan range.

In our analysis, Community Health Plan's HMO plans beat Washington's average by 17% in some tiers and exceed it by 14% in others. The plans where it loses its price advantage tend to be higher metal tiers.

Shopping Gold or Platinum coverage? Compare Community Health Plan's tier-specific rate against Coordinated Care Corporation before assuming the statewide cheapest company wins your category.
Community Health Plan works well for price-conscious Washington shoppers, but two limitations can make it the wrong fit. First, it offers EPO plans only. EPO coverage requires you to use in-network providers with no out-of-network option except in emergencies, unlike PPO plans that let you see any provider. If you have a specialist or hospital you rely on that is outside the Community Health Plan network, that restriction matters more than the premium savings.

Second, Community Health Plan's deductible score is 2.5 out of 5, the lowest of its three MoneyGeek scores and its average deductible of $2,967 is paired with an average MOOP of $8,650. Coordinated Care Corporation is the alternative to compare at $530 monthly if out-of-network flexibility or lower cost-sharing at claim time is a priority.

Cheapest Washington Health Insurance Providers by Profile

Age, plan structure and metal tier determine which Washington insurer charges you least. Monthly premiums tell only part of the story. Match them against deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs since the cheapest monthly bill often means higher expenses when you actually file claims.


Teens	Community Health Plan of Washington	$255	$3,060	$10,150	$6,000
Young Adults	Community Health Plan of Washington	$286	$3,432	$10,150	$6,000
Adults	Community Health Plan of Washington	$357	$4,284	$10,150	$6,000
Seniors	Community Health Plan of Washington	$757	$9,084	$10,150	$6,000
HMO	Coordinated Care Corporation	$373	$4,476	$10,150	$6,000
EPO	Community Health Plan of Washington	$357	$4,284	$10,150	$6,000

* Rates shown are averages for bronze-tier plans, using the following ages for each group: teens age 18, young adults age 26, adults age 40,

When we analyzed Washington's Bronze-tier rates, the $502 monthly gap between an 18-year-old ($255) and a 60-year-old ($757) on Community Health Plan's Bronze plans was the most striking finding. That gap appears across every Washington carrier.

All Bronze plans carry the same $10,150 maximum out-of-pocket cost regardless of age, which makes the Bronze-to-Gold trade-off most worth calculating at age 60. Buyers who need HMO coverage should compare Coordinated Care Corporation at $373 monthly against Community Health Plan's EPO plans before choosing on price alone.

A 60-year-old on Bronze Community Health Plan coverage pays $757 monthly against a $10,150 MOOP ceiling. One hospital stay at that limit costs more than the annual premium difference between Community Health Plan and Coordinated Care Corporation.

Cheapest Washington Health Insurance by Metal Level

Your metal tier choice affects the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs when you need care. Bronze plans feature the cheapest monthly payments but require more cost-sharing when you visit doctors. Platinum plans cost more each month but minimize expenses for medical care.

Choose based on your health care needs: Bronze saves money if you're healthy, but Gold or Platinum works better if you see doctors frequently.

In our Washington data, upgrading from Bronze to Gold with Community Health Plan costs $112 more per month, $1,344 annually. Gold plans cut the average deductible from $6,000 to $1,450, a $4,550 difference. A single medical event that reaches or exceeds your deductible recovers Gold's premium cost. Bronze saves money each month if you rarely use medical care.


Bronze	Community Health Plan of Washington	$357	$4,279	$10,150	$6,000
Gold	Community Health Plan of Washington	$469	$5,633	$7,900	$1,450

* Rates shown are the provider's average at the given metal tier for 40-year-olds.

Run your own comparison on Washington Healthplanfinder using your county and age to see which carriers offer Bronze and Gold plans in your area. Rates vary by county and the $112 monthly difference between Bronze and Gold shown here reflects Community Health Plan of Washington's statewide average for 40-year-olds. Your actual difference may be higher or lower.

Compare Cheap Washington Health Insurance Plans

Refer to the following table to find the most affordable health insurance options in Washington that best suit your needs.

Data filtered by:


Kaiser Permanente	Basics Plus Catastrophic	$178	HMO	Catastrophic	$10,600	$10,600	18	Yes

*The filtered table defaults to catastrophic-tier HMO plans for 18-year-olds because that combination produces Washington's lowest available premium. Kaiser Permanente's Basics Plus Catastrophic costs $178 monthly for an 18-year-old with a $10,600 maximum out-of-pocket. Catastrophic plans are only available to adults under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. If you're 30 or older, the Bronze plans in the profile table above are the entry point.

How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington

These five steps will help you find affordable coverage matching your healthcare needs while staying within budget.

1
Choose a plan type within your budget
In our Washington data, Community Health Plan's Bronze plan averages $357 monthly for a 40-year-old. Setting a firm budget ceiling before you browse prevents anchoring on a rate that looks affordable until you check the deductible, which averages $6,000 at the Bronze tier.
2
Check if you qualify for subsidies
Washington Healthplanfinder calculates your subsidy automatically when you apply and shows programs including Cascade Care Savings and Apple Health. Check your eligibility before comparing plan premiums. For qualifying households, subsidy amounts can close the gap between a Bronze and Gold plan entirely. Shoppers who don't qualify for subsidies and need lower monthly costs may want to review Best Short-Term Health Insurance for alternative options.
3
Explore Medicare options if you qualify
Washington residents 65 and older or those with qualifying disabilities should review Medicare options. MoneyGeek's Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington and Best Medicare Supplement in Washington compare all available options for Washington residents.
4
Verify prescription coverage
Check each plan's drug formulary on Washington Healthplanfinder before enrolling. The same medication can land on different cost tiers across carriers. Community Health Plan of Washington, Coordinated Care Corporation and Kaiser Permanente each maintain separate formularies. A drug your current doctor prescribes may cost a copay on one plan and full price on another.
5
Shop during Open Enrollment period
Washington's Open Enrollment period spans November 1 through January 15. You might qualify for Special Enrollment after major life changes like job loss, divorce or adding a family member
6
Review Washington state requirements
Washington requires all health plans sold on Washington Healthplanfinder to cover preventive care, mental health services and prescription drugs at no cost above your premium for certain services. Plans must also meet network adequacy standards, meaning your carrier is required to have enough in-network providers within a reasonable distance. For EPO plans like those offered by Community Health Plan of Washington, that network requirement is the main consumer protection to check before you enroll.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington: Bottom Line

Community Health Plan of Washington is the right starting point for most Washington shoppers. Its statewide average of $499 monthly is $184 below the state average and it leads the affordability rankings across every age group we analyzed.

My recommendation: get quotes from Community Health Plan and Coordinated Care Corporation side by side for your specific age and county before assuming the statewide leader wins your tier. In our data, the two carriers are only $31 apart at the Bronze tier and that gap can shift at Gold.

Cheap Washington Health Insurance: FAQ

Below are answers to typical questions about affordable health insurance in Washington:

What is the cheapest health insurance in Washington?

Community Health Plan of Washington offers the most affordable health insurance in Washington, with an overall average rate of $499 monthly for 40-year-olds across all plan tiers.

What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?

Cheap health plans in Washington come with high deductibles. Bronze plans at Community Health Plan of Washington average $6,000 in annual deductibles and a $10,150 maximum out-of-pocket cost. EPO and HMO plan structures also restrict you to in-network providers, which limits your options if you need a specialist. The lower your premium, the more you'll pay when you actually use care.

Do I qualify for subsidies on health insurance in Washington?

Yes, you may qualify for subsidies on health insurance in Washington. Premium tax credits are available for individuals and families earning between 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Washington Healthplanfinder determines your eligibility automatically when you apply and shows available programs like Cascade Care Savings or Apple Health.

When can I enroll in health insurance in Washington?

You can enroll in Washington health insurance during Open Enrollment from November 1 to January 15. You may also qualify for Special Enrollment year-round if you experience a qualifying life event like losing your job, getting married or having a baby.

Is Community Health Plan of Washington Available in My County?

Plan availability in Washington is county-based. Community Health Plan of Washington is available across much of the state but not in every county. Enter your county on Washington Healthplanfinder to see which carriers serve your area before comparing rates. The statewide averages in the table above include only carriers reporting rates across Washington, so your local options may be narrower than the full list.

What Is an EPO Health Insurance Plan?

An EPO (exclusive provider organization) plan covers care only from in-network providers, with no out-of-network coverage except in emergencies. Community Health Plan of Washington offers EPO plans only, which is why its rates are among the lowest in Washington. The trade-off is that you must use its network for all non-emergency care. .

How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Washington

MoneyGeek gathered plan data from Washington Healthplanfinder for the 2026 plan year, reviewing all available plans for consumers at ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Our cheapest overall rankings use 40-year-old premiums as the baseline because that age produces the clearest cross-carrier comparison and represents the largest share of individual market shoppers.

Carrier averages are calculated across all plan types and tiers each insurer offers in Washington. Cheapest-by-profile rankings use Bronze-tier rates for each age group, since Bronze is the most common entry-level tier. The profile table uses the insurer with the lowest Bronze average for each category, which means the same carrier can appear across multiple rows. Lower premiums consistently pair with higher deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs. Check both figures before choosing a plan.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he has produced original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek so people can make coverage decisions with confidence. His insurance insights have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other media outlets.

Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.

Fitzpatrick earned his degrees from Johns Hopkins University (M.A. Economics and International Relations) and Boston College (B.A.) and began his career in financial risk management at State Street. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

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Sources

HealthCare.gov. "Health Insurance Marketplace." Accessed May 18, 2026.
Washington Healthplanfinder . "Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)." Accessed May 18, 2026.