News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Twelve health insurers have been approved to sell individual health plans in Washington’s Exchange in 2026. Wellpoint Washington is new to the individual health insurance market and will sell Exchange plans in Grays Harbor and King counties. 

Insurers requested a 21.2% rate change, and 21% was found to be actuarially justified. The plans and their rates will be reviewed for certification by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange Board at its Thursday, Sept. 11, meeting.

“Another year of increased premiums will be hard to hear for the thousands of…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer fined Premera Blue Cross $550,000 on Wednesday, Aug. 6, for violations of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and Washington’s provider directory regulation. 

Along with the fine, Premera must update its provider directories by October 31 to comply with state regulations.

“These violations are a disservice to the people who rely on Premera’s health plans for their well-being,” Kuderer said. “Our laws are in place to ensure mental health services are just as accessible as medical…

CHEHALIS, Wash. – As of July 1,  Timber River Connections is serving as the new Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) sponsor for Lewis County.

A public service offered by the Washington state Office of Insurance Commissioner, SHIBA volunteers have been helping people with Medicare for more than 46 years. Over 230 trained volunteers statewide provide free, impartial and confidential Medicare counseling and education to people in their communities. They assist people with Medicare plans, prescription drug access, fraud and abuse, and more. 

“I’m…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer’s office recovered more than $100 million for consumers experiencing insurance issues during the 2023-25 biennium.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Advocacy Program closed out the biennium with $100,801,393.86 in recovered funds. That figure came from more than 200,000 consumer inquiries received and answered, though not every case involved a recovery; some inquiries are informational.

“Our mission is consumer protection and our staff is dedicated to helping Washingtonians solve their…