News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Thirteen health insurers have been approved to sell group health plans to small employers in 2024. Insurers requested an average premium increase of 8.30% but only 8.02% was approved. The new rates take effect after Jan. 1, 2024, when the employer's plan renews. 

Nationally, 50% of small employers offer health insurance to their employees (KFF.org) Since 2017, the average premium for an individual employee has nearly doubled from $678 to $1,214. Employers pay an average of $5,400 to $5,164 on top of the employee share to provide their workers with coverage. 

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in October totaling $607,613.35 against insurance companies and insurance producers who violated state insurance laws and regulations. 

AIG Property Casualty Company, Chicago, Ill.; fined $2,000 (order 23-0182).

Geico Advantage Insurance Company, Omaha, Neb.; fined $5,000 (order 23-0188).

UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Hartford, Conn.;…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler petitioned the Thurston County Superior Court on Monday to declare his cease-and-desist order against Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (SHIP) valid. The order requires SHIP, an insolvent company that sold long-term care insurance policies, not enforce any premium increases to Washington consumers due to the misleading coverage election packages it mailed in March 2022. 

In addition to misrepresenting benefits, SHIP’s election packages did not accurately reflect the company’s financial condition, which…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Sovereign Nations Insurance, LLC, has signed a settlement agreement with Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and has agreed to cease its operations in Washington state. 

Kreidler ordered Sovereign Nations to stop selling unauthorized insurance products in Washington last year, issuing a cease-and-desist order on December 20. The company requested a hearing in response.   

Per the settlement agreement, signed on November 1, the company will end all insurance business in Washington and not re-enter the state insurance market. In return,…