Kreidler orders Washington health insurers to waive deductibles, coinsurance and copays for coronavirus testing

03/05/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency order to Washington state health insurers requiring them to waive copays, coinsurance and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing (www.doh.wa.gov) for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Insurers also must: 

Allow a one-time early refill for prescription drugs. Suspend 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 and treatment for COVID-19, it must allow enrollees…

Consumer alert: Kreidler’s advice for claims from flood damage

02/10/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Storms and flooding have hit Washington state hard over the last month. Unless people have flood insurance, they may not be covered for any damage caused by the latest weather systems. 

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has advice for consumers hit by the storms and for people wanting to protect themselves in the future.  

“Unfortunately, your typical homeowner or renter policy will not cover flood damage,” said Kreidler. “You must have a separate flood insurance policy. If you live in a flood zone, your lender may even require it, but if not,…

Attempt to cover uninsured car after wreck results in guilty plea

02/07/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Byron Mounce, of Puyallup, pleaded guilty in Pierce County Superior Court to one count of third-degree theft after an investigation by Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU). Mounce was sentenced to serve 80 hours of community service and probation, to pay a $500 crime victim compensation penalty and restitution to be determined at a future court date.  

According to the investigation, Mounce bought an Esurance policy for his 2000 Mercedes sedan on Oct. 31, 2018. The same day, he filed a claim for more than $3,500 in damage…

Kreidler fines three Washington health insurers for law violations

02/06/2020

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler fined three Washington state health insurers for violating insurance laws and rules. 

Kreidler fined UnitedHealthcare of Washington, Inc., $5,000 for not using its correct, legal name 297 times in 2018 on checks and on correspondence with policyholders and medical providers. It used three incorrect names: UnitedHealthcare of Washington, UnitedHealthCare Insurance Company and UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. State law requires insurers to use their legal name as a transparency measure for consumers …