News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has ordered the insolvent Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (SHIP) , of Pennsylvania, to immediately stop soliciting signatures from Washington’s 1,200 plus policyholders for unapproved benefit and rate changes.

SHIP’s appointed rehabilitator sent letters to policyholders in Washington and other states containing a “Coverage Election Package” that requires they choose a reduced benefit or premium increase by March 15, 2022, with an effective date as soon as April 1. Neither the premium increases nor benefits…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and his order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19 are both extended until March 29.

Kreidler's order waiving cost-sharing applies to all state-regulated health insurance plans and short-term, limited-duration medical plans. The order on…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Jessica Berman has been added to Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s insurance fraud most wanted after she failed to appear in Yakima County Superior Court to face five felony charges related to a reported auto theft. A bench warrant for her arrest was issued on Feb. 14 and bail is set for $10,000. 

If you have information that may lead to their arrest, please contact your local law enforcement agency or contact Kreidler's Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).

Berman was charged by Yakima County Prosecutor’s…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A new analysis from Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) shows health care costs for the commercial health insurance market increased 13% between 2016 and 2019 at the same time the consumer price index rose 7%. 

“For years, we’ve seen the cost of health care grow, especially with advances in technology and prescription drugs,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “These increases have impacted how much people pay for their health insurance. We need to get a handle on what’s driving costs if we want to address the issue and help lower health…