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Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Why do health insurance rates keep going up? What happens if the OIC says “no” to increases? Commissioner Kuderer welcomes two guests from the agency’s Rates team to talk about reviews, what's behind rate increases, and how to address the cost of health care. Listen to the episode:

podcasts.apple.com

What's the deal with health insurance rates?

Podcast Episode · OIC Answers on Insurance · September 23 · 38m

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Another increase in health insurance rates is a sign that the system is in need of an overhaul, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer writes. medium.com/commissioners-eye-on-ins…

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Commissioner Kuderer talked with TVW about how the OIC is helping Washingtonians affected by wildfires. Watch the full interview on the latest episode of Inside Olympia: bit.ly/4A8nZ5d

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Join us this Monday, Sept. 14, 6-8:30 p.m., for our second wildfire claims workshop for Spokane-area wildfire survivors. OIC insurance experts will be joined by the NICB and United Policyholders with tips on preventing fraud and best practices on wildfire recovery. Learn more: bit.ly/3SH8y3k

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We've heard of some scams targeting wildfire survivors so here are red flags to look out for and tips to protect yourself. Questions? Call our consumer hotline at 1-800-562-6900 or connect with us online at insurance.wa.gov. Get more tips at bit.ly/4zVErWy.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Spokane wildfire survivors! Join us Sept. 14 for our second claims workshop. The National Insurance Crime Bureau will provide fraud prevention tips and United Policyholders will share best practices on wildfire recovery. Includes Q&A and one-on-one assistance. Learn more at bit.ly/3SH8y3k

OIC wildfire claims workshop. Monday, Sept. 14, 6 - 8:30 pm at Spokane Falls Community College. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Features headshots of CODR program manager Jeff Baughman, Senior Policy Analyst Lauren Burnes, and Senior Policy Advisor David Forte.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Get help from our insurance experts at the Spokane State Individual Assistance Service Center Aug. 31 - Sept. 9. @emd.wa.gov will help eligible residents apply for cash assistance from the State Individual Assistance Program. Learn more at bit.ly/4gF0oAt.

smoky sky above a building with an American flag flying. Overlay of words: Spokane. State Individual Assistance Service Center. Monday, Aug. 31 - Wednesday, Sept. 9. 10 am to 7 pm. SCOPE North, 33 E Lincoln Road, Suite 203. www.insurance.wa.gov.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Last week we sponsored a free screening of the award-winning documentary Shuffle. Commissioner Kuderer and the film's director, Ben Flaherty, had a robust discussion about organized insurance fraud in the addiction treatment industry. Sign up for updates at bit.ly/4qxBc3g for future events.

Director Benjamin Flaherty and Commissioner Kuderer stand in front of a stage with an American flag to their right and a screen showing the message "we support all paths to recovery"

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Lucky is an 11-year-old Chow Chow and the new face of OIC pet insurance! He loves to patrol the Seattle streets, keeping the city safe from pigeons while picking up a salmon snack from Pike Place. Some say he looks like a lion, some say he looks like a bear, so he’s got something for everyone.

Lucky the Chow Chow lays in a grass lawn with a brown fence and trees in the background. Lucky is staring away from the camera off into the distance.

Lucky the Chow Chow sits on a sidewalk on the right side of the photo with the Space Needle in the distance behind Lucky. A farmers market with a booth full of clothing is on the left side of the photo with tall buildings behind the booth.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Commissioner Kuderer was on the ground in Spokane to meet with local leaders and make sure that people know we are here to help. She stopped by the Disaster Recovery Center at Shadle Park High School to thank the insurers that answered her call to set up an insurance village.

Commissioner Kuderer shakes the hand of a member of USAA's catastrophe response team

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Our insurance experts are at the disaster assistance center at Shadle Park High School ready to assist you with your insurance questions! If you were affected by the Spokane Complex Fires, please come visit us! We'll be here through 6 p.m. today and Friday-Sunday. Learn more: bit.ly/4fVTmHd

An OIC staff member comforts a wildfire survivor at the disaster recovery center

Spokane Disaster Assistance Center. Thursday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 9. Shadle Park High School, 4327 Ash St. Spokane, WA 99205.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Our insurance experts will be at the Disaster Assistance Center in Spokane Aug. 6-9 to answer your questions. Commissioner Kuderer invited property insurance companies to attend to help policyholders file claims. #wawx #wawildfire #WAFires #wafire #SpokaneStrong More info: bit.ly/4fVTmHd

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Commissioner Kuderer's emergency order provides a grace period for premium payments and extends the nonrenewal notice period from 60 days to 120 days to consumers impacted by the recent wildfires. Read more here: bit.ly/4cfMS4E

Graphic with Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer with headline 'Commissioner Kuderer issues emergency order to provide relief to people affected by Washington wildfires'

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

If you have been affected by the Kaiser Canyon Fire, we're bringing insurance resources to you.

A graphic with the information about the Office of the Insurance Commissioner's attendance at the Nespelem Disaster Assistance Center on August 4, 5, and 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lucy F. Covington Government Center.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Commissioner Kuderer wants to remind you to touch grass and turn in your ballot by Tuesday, Aug. 4! #GetOutTheVoteWA

Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

This latest report is troubling and confirms what we feared – increasing numbers of uninsured patients are seeking care at emergency rooms. It’s a direct result of Congress’ failure to extend key ACA tax credits and will have impacts on the entire healthcare system, especially our rural hospitals.

After Obamacare Cuts, Hospitals Are Treating More Uninsured Patients (Gift Article)

More people who lost coverage after congressional Republicans ended enhanced federal subsidies are now seeking care in emergency rooms and unable to pay bills.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Join Commissioner Kuderer, State Sen. Riccelli, and Spokane City Councilmember Telis for a conversation about wildfire mitigation, community resilience, and homeowners insurance. Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the MAC. Doors open at 5 p.m. Bring your questions! RSVP here: bit.ly/4yOGUlh

Please join us for a wildfire & insurance town hall. Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, State Senator Marcus Riccelli, Spokane Councilmember Kate Telis. Where: Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. When: Aug. 5, 2026, 5:30 - 7 pm. RSVP not required.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We’ve seen an early start to wildfire season this year. We’re closely monitoring the Lambdin fire in Walla Walla County and are standing by to assist consumers with their insurance needs. In the meantime, if you receive a “Go Now” order please listen!

union-bulletin.com

Level 3 evacuations issued for fire burning near US 12 in west Walla Walla County

The Red Cross has opened a shelter at Touchet High School, 90 Champion St. in Touchet, for those displaced by evacuations.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Commissioner Kuderer was honored to speak last week at Reuters’ The Future of Insurance 2026 conference in Chicago. She stressed that we all have a role to play in building climate resilience, including investing in science-backed mitigation standards, and partnering across all levels of government.

Commissioner Kuderer speaking at the Reuters event in Chicago

Commissioner Kuderer at the Reuters insurance event in Chicago

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

I’m glad to see that the Federal government is finally recognizing that these delays in care for Washington seniors are unacceptable. However, we need to get rid of the WISeR program entirely. Thank you to @repdelbene.bsky.social for leading the charge on repeal and shining a light on this issue!

kuow.org

Feds reprimand private company using AI to review WA Medicare claims over delayed processing

The decision follows reports of weeks-long waits for Medicare claims reviews and criticism by doctors and hospitals about technical problems submitting claims, as well as a lack of responsiveness from...

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

🔥As firefighters battle the Upriver Fire in Spokane County, Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer reminds homeowners to be prepared for wildfire — and, in a worst-case scenario, the recovery process. read press release: www.insurance.wa.gov/about-us/new...

insurance.wa.gov

Consumer Alert: Wildfire season is here and so is the OIC | Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Commissioner Patty Kuderer shares tips and information about wildfire season in Washington.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

This was avoidable. We warned that Republicans’ failure to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits would lead to millions of Americans dropping their health care or facing higher out of pocket costs. Now we’re seeing the initial impact – 1.2M fewer Americans signing up for coverage, and more to come.

Since Congress Let Obamacare Subsidies Expire, Millions Are Dropping Coverage

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

I’m disappointed, but not surprised, to see the administration deny our state’s request for federal funding to mitigate future flooding after December’s storms. While the other FEMA grants that a few communities will receive are critical, it’s far less than the additional $36M we’re eligible for.

washingtonstatestandard.com

Trump administration denies mitigation aid after WA floods • Washington State Standard

The Trump administration has denied Washington’s request for funding to prepare for future floods after a historic deluge last year.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend, former state Senator Sam Hunt. I was lucky to serve alongside him in the Senate and learn from his leadership. Sam’s humor was contagious as he took on complicated issues with a smile. Words can’t express how much he will be missed.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

“Gender-affirming care is safe and effective, and everyone deserves the right to health care. I’m proud of AG Brown hard work on this case and proud to be part of a state leading the way in fighting back against an unjust presidential administration.” Commissioner Kuderer. medium.com/commissioner...

medium.com

Patty’s Takes: Court made the right call in protecting youth gender-affirming care

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown notched a significant win on Monday.

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

You don’t need to be an insurance expert to be a SHIBA Volunteer! All you need is a desire to help your neighbors navigate the complexities of #Medicare. Join the SHIBA volunteer team today! 🧡 insurance.wa.gov/shiba

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

We already know that this administration has some serious conflicts of interest, but new reporting shows just how widespread they are between federal regulators and the industries they regulate. This is why we need to hold government officials at all levels accountable to clear ethical standards.

propublica.org

Documents Reveal a Web of Financial Ties Between Trump Officials and the Industries They Help Regulate

ProPublica is releasing a trove of disclosure records that detail the finances of more than 1,500 Trump appointees, including former lobbyists, industry executives and at least a dozen officials who d...

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Happy Women’s History Month! follow along all March to learn about coverage rights for women. #womenshistorymonth♀️

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane) joins Commissioner Kuderer to discuss the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program and how it helps people at risk of wildfire keep their insurance. Listen to the podcast at: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o...

Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

As Congress further negotiates DHS funding, I want to stress that even though DHS includes FEMA and other key services, that’s not an excuse to allow ICE and Border Patrol to continue to operate recklessly. We need accountability and de-escalation, not empty promises.

seattletimes.com

Trump signs bill to avert partial shutdown amid DHS funding debate, Minnesota deaths

Congress narrowly passed the final spending package, averting a prolonged shutdown amid fierce debate over homeland security funding following fatal Minnesota shootings.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

This latest proposal from the Trump administration puts big business above protecting public health and doubles down on their efforts to take us backwards with climate regulation. You can’t just ignore the short and long-term health impacts of air pollution – there are literally lives at stake.

E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution

Senator Patty Murray @murray.senate.gov · 12/01/2026

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Repost if you agree: The Senate should vote TODAY to extend the ACA tax credits. The House already passed a bill with a three-year extension that would bring down premiums for MILLIONS of Americans. Now it’s up to the Senate. Leader Thune: Let the Senate vote ASAP.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Thank you to House Democrats and to those Republicans who broke ranks to pass a 3-year extension of ACA subsidies. I’m closely watching the Senate to display the same courage of conviction to help Americans afford their health insurance. Every day they delay means more people dropping coverage.

seattletimes.com

House passes bill to extend health care subsidies in defiance of GOP leaders

The House has passed legislation that extends expired health care subsidies for those who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

This short-sighted, reckless, and sudden action by the Trump administration to alter the childhood vaccination schedule flies in the face of science. It’s another example of why we need continued state-level leadership and regional cooperation on public health policies.

Kennedy Scales Back the Number of Vaccines Recommended for Children

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The images and stories coming out of the communities impacted by this recent flooding are heartbreaking and to those of you who have lost your homes, your businesses, or are currently displaced: please know that our thoughts are with you, and you are not alone in this recovery.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

In this Washington, access to transgender care is protected by state law and we will fight to preserve it for all the families who need these services. This administration needs to stop attacking families and put its energy into extending the ACA tax credits to help people afford health insurance.

seattletimes.com

Federal plan to ban gender care for minors is 'cruel,' state AG says

Pediatricians and legal experts in Washington expressed outrage at Trump administration proposals to effectively ban gender-affirming care for minors.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

As we deal with historic flooding in our state, it’s a reminder why we need a strong federal partner and FEMA assistance to respond to natural disasters. State and local governments can’t go it alone. It’s also why we need long-term state solutions like a public infrastructure bank. bit.ly/4j10djx

bit.ly

Major meeting on FEMA overhaul recommendation suddenly shelved • Washington State Standard

WASHINGTON — The 12-member council tasked with overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency abruptly canceled the Thursday meeting where members were supposed to debate and vote on their recomm...

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Open enrollment is underway and many people are experiencing sticker shock. Commissioner Kuderer explains what she’s been doing to urge Congress to extend the enhanced premium tax credits and what’s at stake if they fail to act.

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

I appreciate that Rep. Walsh recognizes my “knowledge” on the ACA, but I think we have different definitions of “failure.” Health coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions, subsidies that allow people to get and keep insurance, and a 4.8% uninsured rate are worth fighting for.

Screenshot of article from The Center Square: “I would say the premise of your question is flawed," Kuderer answered. "The expansion of healthcare through ACA and our state-based exchange, coupled with the enhanced premium tax credits, has given Washington state the opportunity to lower its uninsured rate from a high of around 15% to under 5%"
Kuderer said that is the lowest uninsured rate
Washington has ever had.
"That has saved us taxpayer money," she said.
"Now we have people who are actually able to access healthcare preventatively, rather than using the emergency room, which we all pay for."
The commissioner argued that this is the time to invest more in the Affordable Care Act, not less.
"The enhanced premium tax credit has been enormously successful. And why would the federal government stop and say they want to cut that program? It's actually working. These tax credits have enabled thousands of Washingtonians to access healthcare," Kuderer said.

Screen shot of quote from Rep Walsh: Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh, who also serves as a member of the state House of Representatives, doesn't think much of the ACA.
"Without Kuderer there to lend some sort of knowledge on those press conferences, it would be evident that these senators and congress members are just ignorant about the details of the Affordable Care Act," he said. “The Affordable Care
Act is a failure."

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

This administration is more interested in giving a $20B bailout to Argentina and tax cuts to billionaires than it is in helping its own communities rebuild after natural disasters. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/c...

How FEMA Is Forcing Disaster-Struck Towns to Fend for Themselves

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

This week we saw the tragic consequences of the Trump administration’s short-sighted cuts to climate funding play out in the Alaska Native village of Kipnuk. With increasingly frequent extreme weather events we need to be proactive with mitigation efforts. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/c...

Before Alaska Flooding, E.P.A. Canceled $20 Million Flood Protection Grant

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Earlier this month, Commissioner Kuderer spoke at a Medicare Open Enrollment and Vaccination outreach event for AANHPI elders hosted by the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) and IDIC Filipino Senior and Family Services. nwasianweekly.com/2025/10/fili...

nwasianweekly.com

Filipino seniors find vital support at Beacon Hill vaccination and benefits event

Seattle’s Beacon Hill became a hub for urgent public health outreach this month as the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) and IDIC Filipino Senior and Family Services, in partnership wi…

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Commissioner Patty Kuderer @pattykuderer-waoic.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

The West Coast Health Alliance has released a set of vaccination guidelines that are based on science not conspiracy theories. This state level leadership is critical to fill the abdication of federal leadership from the Trump administration and chaos at the CDC. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/17/h...

Image of torn paper on top of a photo of the WA insurance building. Paper reads: The New York Times
Sep. 17, 2025
Western States Issue Their Own Vaccine Recommendations to
Counter Kennedy
Four Democratic-controlled Western states on
Wednesday issued their own recommendations on who should get three common seasonal vaccines, a sharp rejection of efforts by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to upend vaccine policy at the federal level.
Read more

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

ICYMI: Last week, Commissioner Kuderer hosted an Insurance Town Hall in Spokane with State Sen. Riccelli and State Rep. Ormsby to discuss health care, wildfires and homeowners insurance coverage. Catch her opening remarks below and watch the full video at tvw.org/video/washin...

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Reposted by Commissioner Patty Kuderer

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner @oicwa.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Are you ready for Medicare Open enrollment? See what’s changing and learn about your options. Order our free #Medicare Jumpstart Toolkit. More info here: direc.to/nsVF