Kuderer issues emergency order on prescriptions for fire survivors

08/07/2026

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer issued an emergency order on Thursday, Aug. 6 (PDF 287.61KB), to allow the survivors of the state’s recent wildfires streamlined access to their prescription medications.

The emergency order directs insurers to:

Allow enrollees to obtain a one-time refill of covered prescription pharmaceuticals before the expiration of the waiting period between refills. Allow a grace period for payment of premiums of at least 60 days for individual and group health plans. Not cancel health plans for nonpayment of…

Aug. 5 Spokane insurance event postponed

08/05/2026

The insurance information event scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, has been postponed at the request of those coordinating the collective response and recovery to the Spokane Complex Fires.

Staff from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will be available at Spokane’s Disaster Assistance Center, which opens at Shadle Park High School on Thursday, Aug. 6. The OIC’s consumer advocates will be on hand through Sunday, Aug. 9, to offer insurance information and answer insurance questions.

Representatives from most of the insurance companies providing coverage in the area will…

Kuderer brings insurers, OIC staff to disaster assistance center in Spokane

08/05/2026

Update, Aug. 10: The OIC will staff the DAC through 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12. 

Update, Aug. 7: Added information about Kuderer's Aug. 6 emergency order to provide prescription medication access for wildfire survivors.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer is sending insurance experts from her office to staff the disaster assistance center (DAC) in Spokane: 

Thursday, Aug. 6 to Wednesday, Aug. 12 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Shadle Park High School 4327 N Ash St. Spokane, WA 99205

At…

Kuderer issues emergency order to provide relief to people affected by Washington wildfires

08/03/2026

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer issued an emergency order on Monday to provide relief to Washington policyholders impacted by the recent wildfires (PDF 332.95KB). Her order is in effect from Aug. 3 – Sept. 30, 2026, and applies to all property and auto insurers operating in Washington state.

It directs insurers to: 

Provide 45-day grace periods for premium payments and waive all late fees and reinstatement fees. Not cancel a policy for nonpayment unless directed to do so by the policyholder. Extend the nonrenewal notice period for property…