Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has joined the multistate coalition suing over President Donald Trump’s decision to immediately halt federal payments to insurers.
The state is among nearly 20 states that filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Friday.
At issue is a federal subsidy for deductibles and co-pays that helps lower costs for consumers with modest incomes. The White House says the government cannot legally continue to pay the so-called cost-sharing subsidies because they lack a formal authorization by Congress.
Consumers who qualify will still receive tax credits to help pay their silver premiums. However, millions of others across the country who buy individual health care policies without any financial assistance from the government could face prohibitive increases.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that premiums for a standard “silver” plan will increase by about 20 percent without the subsidies. In Washington state, the increase is expected to be between 9 and 27 percent. (AP)
