Need assistance with Medicare open enrollment? SHIBA can help!

10/13/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The open enrollment period for Medicare starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, and the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is here to help you with your plan options that work best for you.

During this time, you can review your current coverage and decide if there are better options for you based on changes to your current plan, your budget or your health needs.

“Navigating Medicare plan options can be overwhelming,” says Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “Our trained SHIBA volunteer advisors in your community can answer your…

Kreidler issues $179,000 in fines for violations in September

10/11/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in September totaling $178,964 against insurance companies and insurance producers who violated state insurance laws and regulations. 

Insurance companies

TransAmerica Life Insurance Company, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; fined $40,000 (order 23-0161).

TransAmerica failed to keep adequate accounts and records of its obligations and transactions, resulting in valuation errors on annuity policies. Thirty-eight policies in Washington were affected, 32 of which were active. 

Great American Alliance…

Kreidler issues $262,250 in fines for violations in July and August

09/29/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in July and August totaling $262,250 against insurance companies and insurance producers who violated state insurance laws and regulations.

Insurance companies

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Seattle, Wash.; fined $200,000 (order 23-0160).

Kaiser violated state network access standards by failing to provide its enrollees with access to in-network healthcare providers in several Washington counties from 2020 through 2022. This impacted 10,…

Commissioner Kreidler asks insurers to expedite the approval process for debris removal

09/27/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler sent a letter earlier this week asking insurance companies and adjusters working with communities impacted by the Gray and Oregon Road fires to expedite the approval process for debris removal.

Speeding up the process will help assure people impacted by the August wildfires that debris removal is covered, so their rebuilding process can begin quickly.

“I also expect insurers and adjusters to educate their insureds on how the policy impacts debris removal,” Kreidler wrote. “The better you can communicate…