News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Trump administration has announced its final rule rolling back health care protections for transgender patients and overturning other consumer protections put in place by the Obama administration.

The Obama administration included transgender patient protections as part of a rule enforcing a section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that bans discrimination in health care based on sex, race, color, national origin, age or disability. 

Trump’s rule overturns these protections as well as the requirement that health insurers provide consumer…

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: 

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is advising Washington state business owners who have experienced damage during protests to contact their insurance companies as soon as possible.  

Damage to businesses and commercial properties caused by theft and vandalism, including fires, should be covered under their commercial property insurance policy. The only exception would be if the policy specifically excludes that type of loss.

Damage to plate glass windows may require separate coverage, depending on the language in each business' policy. Review…

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

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’s health…