News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Fourteen health insurers filed an average requested rate increase of 9.11% for Washington's individual health insurance market. The proposed plans and their rates are currently under review and final decisions will be made this fall. 

"Nearly 250,000 people in Washington state get their health coverage through our individual market,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “I'm pleased that so many insurers are filing plans again and to see such healthy competition. Now, we'll spend the next few months closely reviewing the companies' requests and the…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has directed Cambia Health Solutions, Inc., and its subsidiaries — including Regence BlueShield — to reprocess ground ambulance claims from approximately 670 policyholders who were balance billed by ambulance companies.  

“Unfortunately, the insurer’s approach to this issue was not consistent with the law or the documents they have filed with our office. More importantly, it left consumers unfairly caught between the insurer and the providers,” Kreidler said. He added that his office is in discussions with…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee signed Washington state’s new pet insurance bill, Senate Bill 5319, into law in April. 

What’s it mean for you? More protection and less confusion.

The bill, based on model legislation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, adds protections for pet owners, requires insurers to disclose information about coverage, and establishes training and licensing requirements for sellers.

SB 5319 establishes uniform definitions for terms frequently used in pet insurance policies. The defined terms include…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has fined Airbnb $20,000 for acting as an unauthorized insurer in Washington state. Kreidler also ordered the company to obtain a surplus lines insurance policy to continue offering its Host Damage Protection (HDP) program in Washington.

Airbnb must pay the fine by June 5, 2023, and secure a surplus lines policy through a broker licensed in Washington by August 5, 2023.

Kreidler’s office opened its investigation based on the HDP program, which advertised $1 million in coverage for damages caused by a guest. It was…