Washington Insurance Commissioner Fines UnitedHealthcare $30,000
Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler took disciplinary action in October against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations.
A summary of cases of interest to Washington consumers is below.
Insurance companies
UnitedHealthcare of Washington, Seattle; fined $30,000
Kreidler fined the health insurer for law violations during calendar year 2017, including:
- Failure to maintain an adequate log of consumer complaints and claims appeals to determine if the company is handling them correctly.
- Mishandled certain prescription claims that had prior authorization for coverage based on the medical condition they were treating.
Agents and brokers
Brian Boldman Insurance Agency, Maple Valley, Wash.; fined $3,000
Brian Boldman, Maple Valley, Wash., fined $2,000
Eric Wiest, Newcastle, Wash.; license revoked
Lanceing Huntington, Snohomish, Wash.; fined $500
Claudia Vasquez, Tacoma, Wash.; fined $1,000
Carol Thomas, Port Orchard, Wash.; fined $2,000,
Other organizations
Murray Becker, Houston, Texas; ordered to cease and desist
Danny Hudson and Seattle Auto Appraisers, Houston, Texas; ordered to cease and desist
Since 2001, Kreidler has assessed more than $28 million in fines, which are deposited in the state’s general fund to pay for state services.
Related:
- Washington Insurance Commissioner Issued Numerous Fines, Disciplinary Actions
- Washington Commissioner Fined Carriers, Producers and Others $724K in June
- Washington Commissioner Fines Pet Insurer $25K