Kreidler adopts rule temporarily banning credit scoring, proposes rule to increase transparency

02/01/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has adopted his rule temporarily banning insurers from using credit information to set auto, homeowner and renter insurance, effective March 4. In addition, he’s proposing a new transparency rule requiring insurers to provide policyholders with a written explanation for any premium change.  

“I’m taking this action against insurers’ use of credit scoring in response to the economic harm many people have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic—harm that has significantly impacted people who are already financially…

Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Feb. 27

01/25/2022

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 Feb. 27.

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

Spokane man added to Kreidler’s insurance fraud most wanted

01/21/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Michael T. Kerwin, of Spokane, has been added to Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s insurance fraud most wanted after he failed to appear in Spokane County Superior Court to face two felony charges related to an auto insurance fraud investigation. A bench warrant for his arrest was issued on Dec. 22, 2021, and bail is set for $5,000.    

Kerwin was charged in November 2021 with filing a false insurance claim and first-degree theft after an investigation by Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). According…

Kreidler requests legislation to enhance surprise billing protections

01/12/2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is requesting legislation to align Washington state’s recent Balance Billing Protection Act with the new federal No Surprises Act that took effect on Jan. 1, 2022. House Bill 1688 has bipartisan support and was heard before the House Health Care and Wellness Committee earlier today. 

“We heard so many heartbreaking stories from consumers about their battles with surprise medical bills,” said Commissioner Kreidler. “I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan law we created and that the federal government followed in our…