Kreidler statement on U.S. Supreme Court decision denying contraceptive coverage

07/09/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Little Sister of the Poor v. Pennsylvania. In its decision, the court upheld the Trump Administration’s rule that permits employers to deny employees coverage for contraceptives based on the employer’s religious or moral beliefs:

“We are carefully reviewing the Supreme Court ruling, but Washington state has a long history of protecting the health care rights of women and I intend to continue that commitment.  Yesterday’s ruling appears to…

Kreidler earns international recognition for advocacy on climate change

07/06/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – An international risk management organization has recognized Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler for his two decades of work on climate risk and insurance.   

Insurance ERM named Kreidler as the only state insurance regulator in the United States among the 22 most influential in the insurance industry on climate change. His peers include international insurance leaders and others from the financial and investment industries. 

“I’m honored to be in such esteemed company, many of whom I’ve worked with through my national and international…

Kreidler extends emergency order again waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing

07/02/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington state health insurers for an additional 30 days requiring them to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Insurers also must continue: 

Allowing a one-time early refill for prescription drugs. Suspending any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19.

In addition, if an insurer does not have enough medical providers in its network to provide testing or treatment for COVID-19, it must allow…

Kreidler extends withheld depreciation deadline for insurance claims for building repairs

06/25/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended an emergency order that requires insurers to extend deadlines relating to withheld depreciation for policyholders who are in the process of completing home or building repairs as part of a property loss claim under a replacement cost policy.  

The deadline is extended 30 days to July 26. The original order, issued on April 27, expires June 26.  

Without the extension, some policyholders in Washington could have been forced to accept a depreciated settlement from an insurer that was less than the…