News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Fifteen health insurers filed 183 plans for Washington’s 2021 individual health insurance market — with two new insurers entering: UnitedHealthcare of Oregon and Community Health Network of Washington. 

The filings indicate a strong response from health insurers to provide more choice for consumers during the current coronavirus pandemic. They also show that individuals in all counties in Washington will have at least two options for coverage in 2021, a distinct change from recent years.  

The response also indicates that health insurers believe…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said the 1,400 residents who have long-term care policies through Time Insurance Co. of Wisconsin will maintain their benefits while the state of Wisconsin orders the company into rehabilitation and manages operations of the financially troubled firm. 

Time Insurance is now being overseen by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. All policyholders in Washington and other states will be notified within 30 days of the rehabilitation ordered by Wisconsin. 

All claims will continue to be paid…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Commissioners for two Washington agencies have reached out to the insurance industry for assistance in processing and investigating the historic volume of claims for unemployment compensation. 

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine are asking insurance companies in Washington if they can lend expertise in two areas: 

Employment Security will pay for those hired for three to six months along with providing…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said he welcomes the effort of two health insurers doing business in Washington to provide short-term premium forgiveness to many of their policyholders.

Premera Blue Cross, based in Mountlake Terrace, said it would provide a one-time, up to 15% premium forgiveness totaling up to $20 million for its policyholders in the small- and large-group commercial markets where employers buy plans for their employees. This would affect over 200,000 policyholders and apply no later than August. 

The short-term premium…