News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is urging Congress to reinstate a federal reinsurance program to reduce the rise of health insurance premiums. 

In a letter to Washington state’s congressional representatives, Kreidler said reinsurance that was part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) from 2014 through 2016 resulted in premiums that were 10% to 15% lower than they would have been without the program. 

The program reduced rate increases for individuals who bought plans through the individual health insurance markets in the United States, including…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is encouraging all health insurers to work with employers who want to keep their employees on their health plans and is expediting review of any changes to eligibility requirements. Many employers have had to temporarily furlough employees during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“These are uncertain times for everyone,” said Kreidler. “We’ve heard from many employers who want to keep their employees on their health plans despite their employment status. We want to make sure this is…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today urged all insurers doing business in Washington to consider refunding auto insurance premiums to their policyholders since most are driving less.

Kreidler said people are driving less in Washington because of Gov. Jay Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order issued in late March and extended statewide through May 4. The governor said recently that traffic on the state’s roads and highways is down as much as 50% over the last month.

Such a decline reduces the risk of accidents, associated injuries and…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order (PDF, 229KB) requiring a grace period of at least 60 days for all stand-alone dental plans certified by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange as qualified dental plans.

His order also clarifies that during grace period for dental plans and the earlier order he issued for many health insurance plans, the dental and health insurers are responsible for paying claims for all covered services during the first 30 days. 

This order is in effect until May 23, 2020.

“These are…