News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bill increasing protections from surprise billing (HB 1688) has passed the Legislature and is on its way to Governor Inslee’s desk for signature. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler requested the legislation to help align Washington’s recent Balance Billing Protection Act with the new federal No Surprises Act that took effect on Jan. 1, 2022. 

“We heard so many heartbreaking stories from consumers about their battles with surprise medical bills,” said Commissioner Kreidler. “I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan law we created several years ago and that…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement about employee complaints against him as published in nwnewsnetwork.org today:

“I care about everyone who works with me at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. I deeply regret that some of my behavior and actions have taken attention away from the good work we do on behalf of insurance consumers. We hold each other to high standards, and I am not above those. Clearly, I have work to do. I have apologized to staff and I will be open to their feedback as I move forward. 

“I…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has ordered the insolvent Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (SHIP) , of Pennsylvania, to immediately stop soliciting signatures from Washington’s 1,200 plus policyholders for unapproved benefit and rate changes.

SHIP’s appointed rehabilitator sent letters to policyholders in Washington and other states containing a “Coverage Election Package” that requires they choose a reduced benefit or premium increase by March 15, 2022, with an effective date as soon as April 1. Neither the premium increases nor benefits…

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has extended two emergency orders. His order requiring health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and his order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19 are both extended until March 29.

Kreidler's order waiving cost-sharing applies to all state-regulated health insurance plans and short-term, limited-duration medical plans. The order on…