Kreidler launches study to reveal unpaid insurance taxes in Washington

08/27/2020

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…

Kreidler extends emergency order on telehealth for 30 days

08/14/2020

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:

Continue coverage for providing telehealth via methods including telephone and video chat tools such as Facetime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangout video, Skype and Go-to-Meeting.  Cover all medically necessary diagnostic testing for flu and certain other viral respiratory…

New rule requires insurers to notify consumers of appeal rights and consumer protection services

08/03/2020

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…

Kreidler extends emergency order on surprising billing and lab fees for coronavirus testing

07/29/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically-necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19 until Aug. 27. 

His order applies to both in-state and out-of-state laboratories, when a provider orders diagnostic testing for COVID-19.

“We know people are under tremendous stress as we fight this pandemic,” said Kreidler. “We want to make sure they're not worrying about receiving a surprise medical bill while trying to take care of their own or their loved one…