Kreidler fines Aetna for discriminating against transgender women

09/02/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler fined Aetna Life Insurance Co. $25,000 for discriminating against policyholders who sought gender-affirming medical treatment. 

In June 2019, a Washington state consumer filed a complaint with Kreidler’s office that Aetna, a health insurer, denied coverage for breast augmentation as part of the policyholder’s gender-affirming treatment plan. Aetna denied coverage without reviewing for medical necessity, stating the treatment was not covered because it was a cosmetic procedure. 

Aetna also…

Kreidler slams Taliban-like abortion law in Texas

09/01/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued the following statement today on the new Texas law that restricts women’s rights to abortion:

“The Republican party in Texas has once again shown its blatant disregard for women’s rights. The new law that effectively bans abortions in the state cannot be allowed to stand.

“The Texas law is a threat to women’s health and – if allowed to stand – could become a model for other states to restrict the ability of women to make choices about their own health.  

“Texas Republicans have become America’s own…

Abshir Ali joins Kreidler’s insurance fraud most wanted

08/27/2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Abshir A. Ali, aka Mowlid Hersi, of Tukwila, has been added to Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s insurance fraud most wanted after he failed to appear in King County Superior Court to face felony charges of filing a false insurance claim and first-degree attempted theft. A bench warrant for his arrest was issued and bail is set for $10,000. 

If you have information that may lead to Ali’s arrest, please contact your local law enforcement agency or Kreidler's Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).  

Ali was charged in connection with an auto…

Kreidler extends emergency order on coronavirus testing and surprise billing to Sept. 5

08/09/2021

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 Sept. 5, 2021.

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