Washington expands essential health benefits, adding human donor milk, hearing aids, and artificial insemination

10/24/2024

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has announced that expanded coverage for human donor milk, hearing aids and artificial insemination will be included in the state’s essential health benefits plan. 

Some benefits were also revised to ensure plans do not discriminate based on disabilities or health conditions. The changes take effect in plan years starting on or after January 1, 2026.

The benefits include:

Coverage for human milk for inpatient use, when an infant is unable to receive maternal milk or when the parent is…

Kreidler issues fines totaling $302,500 in July, August and September

10/22/2024

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines totaling $302,500 against insurance companies, agents, brokers and unlicensed entities in July, August and September of 2024 for violations of state insurance laws and regulations. 

Among those actions was a $40,000 fine issued to Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. After an internal referral, Kreidler’s office randomly selected 95 Allstate auto insurance claims from April to September 2022 for review. On four separate claims, Office of the Insurance Commissioner staff found that…

Ten insurers approved to sell health insurance to small businesses in 2025

10/17/2024

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Ten health insurers have been approved to sell group health plans to small employers in 2025. 

Insurers requested an average premium increase of 11.9%, which was approved. The new rates take effect after Jan. 1, 2025, when the employer's plan renews. 

About half of small employers nationwide offer their employees health insurance. Nationally, 53% of small employers offer health insurance to their employees.

The average annual premium for an individual employee is $1,368, up 6% from 2023; the average annual premium for an employee with family…

Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15- Dec. 7

10/09/2024

OLYMPIA, WA – Medicare’s annual open enrollment period starts Tuesday, Oct. 15 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 7. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program can help you review your plan options. 

Open enrollment is the time to review your current coverage and decide if there are better options for you based on changes to your current plan, your budget or your health needs. If you think you want to make a switch or if you’ve been notified that your plan is discontinued, start reviewing your options now. 

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