News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Most health insurers in Washington state have signaled their intent to immediately waive all cost-sharing for COVID-19 vaccinations. Policyholders will be covered regardless of where they receive the vaccination. 

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act directs health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for COVID-19 vaccinations 15 days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorizes their use. Given that timeline, insurers would be required waive these fees after Jan. 1, 2021. But many health insurers in…

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 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 Jan. 23, 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 surprise…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order, directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus pandemic. His order is in effect until Jan. 10 and requires health insurers to:

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement today on Donald Trump’s threat to the FDA about vaccine approval:

“Donald Trump’s threat today to fire the head of the FDA for not immediately approving a COVID-19 vaccine is another low mark in the way his administration has grotesquely mismanaged the national response to the pandemic.

“Instead of letting respected and renowned medical experts do their jobs to ensure protection for all Americans, the president decided again to make himself the center of attention. He again completely…