News Archive

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 Sept. 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 surprise billing applies to…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has begun a study to determine how many organizations in Washington are not paying insurance premium tax as required under state law. 

The study began with an initial survey sent to about 5,000 businesses and other organizations in Washington asking if they use a “captive” insurance company. This is an arrangement where a business establishes its own insurance company to insure specific risks of its owner. 

Currently, captive insurers are not authorized under Washington state law. Additionally, companies using…

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 Sept. 15 and requires health insurers to:

OLYMPIA, Wash. – As of Aug. 1, all insurers in Washington state that take action against a policyholder must include information in the notices about the right to appeal and how to contact the insurance commissioner’s Consumer Protection division if they need assistance. 

“Insurance companies interact with us daily and understand our role,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “And for the most part, they do right by their policyholders. But we’re well aware that many people have never heard of our services. We hope this new requirement will help educate people about our…