Kreidler names Mark Dietzler as new chief deputy commissioner

10/20/2021

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

Dietzler joins the office after serving as a managing attorney at Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. While there, he was responsible for an active caseload of 1,250 litigated files and a $6 million budget. He also brings significant jury trial and management experience to the agency.

“Mark’s knowledge will serve the consumers in our state well,” Kreidler said. “Mark also brings strong leadership experience that will be an asset in…

Kreidler pursues January date for rule to ban use of credit scores

10/19/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler will seek an effective date of Jan. 1, 2022, for a permanent rule to temporarily ban the use of credit scores for insurance policies for three years. 

A public hearing on the proposed rule is scheduled for Nov. 23. Kreidler rejected a recent call from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies to abandon his commitment.

The lobbying groups made the request after a Thurston County Superior Court on Oct. 8 issued a narrow ruling against an emergency…

‘Lost’ Rolex watch turns up at jewelry shop, owner faces fraud charge

10/15/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Christopher Michalke, of Seattle, was charged in King County Superior Court with one felony count of filing a false insurance claim for a $14,753 Rolex watch after an investigation by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). Michalke is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 25 for a hearing.

According to the investigation, Michalke bought a “valuable personal property” insurance rider from USAA in August 2019 to cover his Rolex Submariner watch that he bought in 2018 for $14,753. On…

Medicare open enrollment for 2022 starts Oct. 15 and SHIBA can help!

10/13/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, also called the Annual Election Period, is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, people enrolled in Medicare can: 

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan and vice versa. Join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan, if you’re on original Medicare. Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program — part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner — is ready to help with all of these decisions. Due to the pandemic, your local SHIBA…