Kreidler statement on media report of employee complaints

03/03/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement about employee complaints against him as published in nwnewsnetwork.org today:

“I care about everyone who works with me at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. I deeply regret that some of my behavior and actions have taken attention away from the good work we do on behalf of insurance consumers. We hold each other to high standards, and I am not above those. Clearly, I have work to do. I have apologized to staff and I will be open to their feedback as I move forward. 

“I…

Kreidler orders Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (SHIP) to stop interfering with the rights of Washington policyholders

03/01/2022

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…

Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to March 29

02/24/2022

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…

Jessica Berman wanted to face multiple felony charges in auto insurance, loan scam

02/23/2022

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…