Legislative wrap-up for 2009
Protecting consumers is Commissioner Kreidler’s top priority and several new safeguards were added during the 2009 legislative session.
Health care
Health care continues to be a key issue for the Commissioner. In 2009, he requested these two bills that passed:
House Bill 1308 protects people who need organ transplants if they switch insurance plans.
- Read the fact sheet (PDF, 77 KB).
- Read the Commissioner's testimony.
Senate Bill 5480 allows us to regulate discount health plans and make sure that consumers understand what they are buying.
- Read the fact sheet (PDF, 89 KB).
- Read the Commissioner's testimony.
Protection in an emergency
With the recent increase in flooding and other natural disasters, the Commissioner requested three bills that would help protect consumers in the event of an emergency:
Senate Bill 5417 will ensure that consumers understand that flood insurance is not included in homeowners’ policies and tell them where to get it.
- Read the fact sheet (PDF, 06 KB).
House Bill 1565 will require all Washington-based insurers to be prepared and have a continuity plan in case an emergency disrupts business.
- Read the fact sheet (PDF, 106 KB).
House Bill 1566 authorizes the Commissioner to temporarily order insurers to alter certain usual practices, such as grace periods for payments and access to out-of-network medical care, if the Governor proclaims an emergency.
- Read the fact sheet (PDF, 106 KB).
Annuities
Senate Bill 5671 requires annuity sellers to recommend products that are suitable to the consumer’s needs.
- Read the fact sheet (PDF, 90 KB).
- Read the Commissioner's testimony.
Regulation and technical fixes
The Commissioner also requested two bills that will make insurance operations run smoother in Washington state:
- House Bill 1568 supports the Insurance Commissioner’s effort to modernize the licensing of insurance producers. Read the fact sheet (PDF, 94 KB).
- House 1567 will make technical fixes that clarify existing laws regarding reporting of premiums for tax purposes and align state medicare laws with federal reforms.
What’s next?
Commissioner Kreidler will continue to focus on health care reform through the interim. He has proposed a Guaranteed Health Benefit Plan that would provide catastrophic coverage and key preventive care to all Washington residents.
Independent experts have found the plan to be profound, pragmatic and viable. Learn more.
Archives
2008 legislative wrap-up
2007 legislative wrap-up
2006 legislative wrap-up
2005 legislative wrap-up
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