News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – People who have lost their employer-sponsored health insurance should be extremely cautious when considering offers that promise great coverage for bargain-basement premiums, said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. They should watch out for websites posing as the state’s official health insurance marketplace or exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder. 

Kreidler’s office and the Washington Health Benefit Exchange are hearing from consumers who have been duped by bogus websites when looking for health insurance. Some of these sites are tricking people into…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A fraud investigation launched by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) in 2017 resulted in a federal prosecution of an Oregon woman who defrauded six health insurers of $1.3 million. 

Saffron Gustafson, 43, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Gustafson was also ordered to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution to the victim insurance plans and more than $99,000 in unpaid federal taxes. She pleaded guilty in November 2019 to charges of health care fraud and tax evasion.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order again, directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus pandemic. His order is in effect until Oct. 14 and requires health insurers to:

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Wildfires did heavy damage to the state over the Labor Day weekend, with over 80 fires ignited and more than 300,000 acres burned. Blazes destroyed the entire town of Malden, south of Spokane.

“Our state is being heavily impacted by wildfire and firefighting resources are stretched to their limit,” said Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. "I urge all Washington residents to do their part to be fire safe and prepare their homes and property for wildfire risk.” 

If you are affected by a wildfire: