News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer issued fines totaling $828,500 for insurance law violations in July, August, September, and early October of 2025. That included a $100,000 fine for Regence BlueShield, which incorrectly denied 954 claims for treatment, and a $550,000 fine against Premera — announced in August — for violations of the Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and Washington’s provider directory regulations.

The third-quarter total brings the amount collected since 2001 to over $44 million, which the Office of the Insurance…

OLYMPIA, WA – Medicare’s Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. This is the annual time when people already enrolled in Medicare can change plans.  If you received a notice that your current plan is ending, you must select a new one during this time. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s (OIC) SHIBA program has a new tool to help people prepare. 

During open enrollment, you can: 

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Fourteen health insurers have been approved to sell health plans in Washington’s 2026 individual health insurance market. 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. Open enrollment for the individual market runs November 1 through January 15. Most people buy coverage through the Exchange, wahealthplanfinder.org, and most qualify for premium tax credits to help lower their monthly costs. …

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer today called on insurance companies selling auto, homeowners and renters insurance in Washington to support federal workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Kuderer urged insurers (PDF 214.39KB) to allow a grace period of at least 30 days for federal employees who are unable to make timely premium payments due to the shutdown. She emphasized that families should not lose their insurance coverage or face penalties because of circumstances beyond their control.

“Tens of thousands of…