LIFE INSURANCE 2018

Health insurers are required to provide transparency tools via their websites starting Jan. 1, 2016, to consumers who are enrolled in their plans. The tools provide information about treatment costs, quality of care and other patients’ experience with the medical providers. These tools have not been readily available to consumers before now. The requirement is in the Affordable Care Act and is being implemented in Washington state now. Each insurer must provide written verification to the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner by Feb. 1 of each year that the company is in compliance with this state law, which was enacted by the 2014 Legislature. The OIC provides a form for health insurers to fill out and send to us, called an attestation. We are required to post the form 60 days before it's due. You can read more about the rules the OIC wrote to implement this requirement, which were recently adopted, or about the state law (RCW 48.43.007) . The OIC also provided in...

Are you traveling for the upcoming holiday? Here are some travel tips to help keep you safe and informed. Driving The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) app gives real-time traffic updates and alerts.  WSDOT also has an infographic that shows what you should carry in your car when you travel  and information about winter driving . We have information for consumers about auto insurance and filing claims .  The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has an app called WreckCheck that walks you through the steps you need to do if you are in an auto accident and allows you to create an accident report from your phone.  Traveling by plane Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and to get through security. Read CNN's story,  Thanksgiving travel: Longer lines and tighter security . Get airport travel tips from the TSA. If you are traveling internationally, the U.S. State Department has country-specific information and alerts....

Columbia United Providers (CUP) this week informed the Office of the Insurance Commissioner that it is voluntarily withdrawing from the individual health insurance market. The company, which is based in Vancouver, Wash., also said that it intends to sell its Medicaid business to Molina Healthcare. That proposal is subject to approval by the Insurance Commissioner. Here are answers to some questions about CUP’s announcement: Why did CUP voluntarily withdraw from Washington? The company cited business reasons for the voluntary withdrawal. How does CUP’s withdrawal affect the Washington health insurance market? CUP offered individual plans in Clark County only. As of November 2015, CUP had fewer than 100 enrollees in the individual market. These plans were offered only through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The company also managed insurance coverage for about 55,000 enrollees in Medicaid plans in Clark County. The Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) oversees Medicaid in Washi...

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner's rate decisions have saved auto insurance consumers nearly $26 million in premiums since 2010. Personal auto insurers are required to file their proposed rates and rating plans with our office whenever there's a rate change. Our actuaries review the proposed rates, rating plans, and supporting documentation to be sure that the rates are not excessive, inadequate or discriminatory. From 2010 through 2014, the rates we approved for the top 20 personal auto insurers in Washington saved consumers nearly $26 million in premiums. 2014: $6.2 million  2013: $8.9 million  2012: $5.6 million  2011: $2.7 million  2010: $2.7 million  Read more about auto insurance in Washington state.

As Washington consumers begin to rebuild and repair their homes and businesses after this summer's wildfires, we are partnering with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to share this message: Hire registered contractors. Unregistered contractors often have no bond or liability insurance , don’t get building permits , and fail to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. It’s a risky combination that leaves property owners financially vulnerable if workers are injured on their property or the contractor does shoddy work – or takes a down payment and never returns. Construction contractors are required to register with L&I. In turn, L&I confirms that they have a business license, liability insurance and a bond – requirements that give property owners some monetary recourse if something goes wrong. Hiring registered contractors provides the best chance for success and to protect your investment. Hire Smart to avoid rebuildin...