Health care costs in Washington grew 13% between 2016-2019

02/22/2022

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…

Statement from Kreidler on Deborah Senn's passing

02/21/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement on the death of his predecessor, Deborah Senn. 

"I was deeply sorry to learn of Deborah Senn's passing. Her dedication to the plight of the unheard consumer transformed the Office of the Insurance Commissioner into the "people's office." She embraced her role and used it to improve people's lives and give voice to the unheard. 

Her actions improved health insurance coverage and access, protected the innocent…

Kennewick woman serves 15 days in jail after pleading guilty to auto insurance fraud

02/18/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Sarah Jo Monty, of Kennewick, Wash., pleaded guilty in Benton County Superior Court to one charge of filing a false insurance claim and two counts of attempted second-degree theft in connection with an insurance claim. Monty was sentenced to serve 15 days in jail and to pay $800 in court fines.

Benton County Prosecutor’s Office charged Monty after an investigation by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).  

According to the investigation, Monty filed a claim with Safeco Insurance in December 2018, stating that she…

Kreidler names Michael Wood chief deputy insurance commissioner

02/08/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today announced that Michael Wood will serve as the agency’s new chief deputy commissioner. 

Wood joined the office in October 2021 after serving as administrator for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Oregon. While there, he oversaw a staff of 200 people who are responsible for workplace safety and health for all workers in Oregon. Before his time in Oregon, Wood worked at the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and the state Legislature. Wood earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political…