Advocates recover almost $12 million for insurance consumers in third quarter of 2023

11/28/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Have you ever had an insurance claim delayed only to receive an offer from your insurer that wasn’t very reasonable? Our team of highly trained insurance experts recovered almost $12 million for Washington state insurance consumers between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2023. They may be able to help you, too! 

Thousands of consumers contact our office every year with a question or complaint about all types of insurance coverage. Our Consumer Advocacy team can look at your insurance policy, explain your rights, and in many cases, contact your insurance company on your…

King County pair added to Kreidler’s Insurance Fraud Most Wanted list

11/16/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A man from Everett and a woman from Shoreline have been added to Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Insurance Fraud Most Wanted list.

Joel Ilunga Maloba, 29, and Ida Madilamba, 34, failed to appear at their arraignment after being charged by the King County Prosecutor’s Office with one count of false claims or proof each. A bench warrant was issued for their arrest in November 2023. 

Maloba and Madilamba were charged after an investigation conducted by Kreidler’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU). 

CIU discovered on Nov. 16, 2020, that…

13 insurers approved to sell health insurance to small businesses in 2024

11/08/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Thirteen health insurers have been approved to sell group health plans to small employers in 2024. Insurers requested an average premium increase of 8.30% but only 8.02% was approved. The new rates take effect after Jan. 1, 2024, when the employer's plan renews. 

Nationally, 50% of small employers offer health insurance to their employees (KFF.org) Since 2017, the average premium for an individual employee has nearly doubled from $678 to $1,214. Employers pay an average of $5,400 to $5,164 on top of the employee share to provide their workers with coverage. 

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Kreidler issues $607,000 in fines for violations in October

11/08/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in October totaling $607,613.35 against insurance companies and insurance producers who violated state insurance laws and regulations. 

Insurance companies

AIG Property Casualty Company, Chicago, Ill.; fined $2,000 (order 23-0182).

AIG used an incorrect rating factor in 49 instances.

Geico Advantage Insurance Company, Omaha, Neb.; fined $5,000 (order 23-0188).

Geico failed to conduct insurance business under the company’s legal name.

UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Hartford, Conn.;…