OIC issues memo on Premera, EvergreenHealth negotiations

03/23/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district serving north King and south Snohomish counties, is in contract negotiations to renew its health plan contracts with Premera Blue Cross. 

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner issued a memo on March 23, 2023, to provide details on the potential termination, which would go into effect on April 1 if the parties do not reach an agreement on a contract. The termination would not include the EvergreenHealth Monroe Medical Center.

Insurers are required to notify the OIC of any changes that could affect…

Rule proposed to require insurers tell you why your premium is going up

03/14/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new regulation proposed by Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler requires insurance companies to explain premium increases to their policyholders in language they can understand. 

“If your insurance company is going to increase your premium, you have a right to know why,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “This is pretty basic information you should expect from your insurance company, but we hear from hundreds of consumers every year who cannot get a straight answer on why they’re being charged more.”

The number one complaint…

Kreidler issues $25,500 in fines for violations in February

03/06/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in February totaling $25,500 against insurance companies, producers, brokers and individuals who violated state insurance laws and regulations.

Unlicensed brokers and unauthorized insurers

Empire West Insurance Services, Inc.; fined $10,000 (order 23-0030).

Empire West obtained surplus lines insurance for consumers in Washington without being licensed to do so. Insurance companies

Esurance Insurance Company, Northbrook, Ill.; fined $5,000 (order 23-0016).

Esurance, part of the Allstate Insurance…

Woman convicted of insurance fraud in King County after CIU investigation

03/02/2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. — An Edmonds woman pled guilty to committing insurance fraud after an investigation completed by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).

Eden Gebru pled guilty to the charge of false claims or proof on February 23 in King County Superior Court. Her jail sentence was suspended, but she was ordered to serve 24 months’ probation, complete 80 hours of community service, and pay $500 in court fees. 

Gebru was involved in a two-vehicle collision in Shoreline in September of 2021. She told the other driver that she had valid…