Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Oct. 31

10/01/2021

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 Oct. 31, 2021.

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

Lakewood man sought to face insurance fraud charges

09/24/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Anfernee Aldan, 26, of Lakewood, Wash., has been added to Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s insurance fraud most wanted after he failed to appear in Pierce County Superior Court to face felony charges of theft and filing a false insurance claim. A bench warrant for his arrest was issued with no bail.

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

Aldan was charged in connection with an auto…

New SHIBA sponsor, Solid Ground to help King County seniors with Medicare

09/23/2021

SEATTLE, Wash. – Solid Ground replaced Sound Generations as the new Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) sponsor for King County, effective September 1.

“Navigating the complications of Medicare can be difficult even for people who have worked inside the health care system, “said Shalimar Gonzales, CEO of Solid Ground. “For people in marginalized and underserved communities, it can be almost impossible. Our organization has a long history of leveraging the power of volunteerism to improve lives, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with the Washington state…

Kreidler hosts Climate Summit 2021, free virtual event open to the public

09/22/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is hosting a virtual Climate Summit on Oct. 6 to highlight the latest science, best practices being deployed in the private sector, and regulatory approaches to combating climate change. 

Climate Summit 2021 is a half-day event and is free and open to the public. 

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee will make keynote remarks about fighting climate change head on in the Evergreen state. 

Sec. Gen. Ekhosuehi Iyahen with the Insurance Development Forum will give the keynote address about addressing the…