Health insurers propose 2018 rate increase in Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - State officials say that health insurers have proposed rate changes for next year that have an average increase of about 22.3%.

The insurance commissioner's office said Monday that 11 health insurers filed 71 health plans for the state's individual and family health insurance market. In two counties - Klickitat and Grays Harbor - no health insurer filed plans. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler says he has been reaching out to insurers to see if one or more will reconsider offering plans in those two counties.

All rates, health plans, and coverage areas are under review by Kreidler's office and may change before the plans are certified by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board on Sept. 14. Open enrollment for the 2018 individual market starts Nov. 1.