Health insurers must provide transparency tools to consumers on Jan. 1

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 instructions and the attestation form for insurers to return to us by Feb. 1, 2016.

Tips for holiday travelers

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. 

Other travel tips

• Set weather alerts for up to five locations using FEMA's mobile app.
• If you are driving to Canada, check border wait times before you choose your border crossing. 
• Get information about travel insurance. 
• Get information about your rights to see an out-of-network health provider while traveling. 

Columbia United Providers will notify enrollees about withdrawal from Washington market

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 Washington.

HCA is aware of CUP�s withdrawal from the Washington market and its proposal to sell its Medicaid business to Molina Healthcare.

How does this affect those who enrolled in Exchange plans?

The Health Benefit Exchange is aware of CUP�s withdrawal and proposed sale. The Exchange is reaching out to any enrollees who selected CUP for 2016 to assist them in choosing another plan. CUP 2015 enrollees will be covered through the end of the year and can select alternate coverage for 2016. Any CUP enrollee who wants to change coverage for the remainder of 2015 may request a special enrollment.

How will current enrollees be notified CUP�s decision?

The company is responsible for notifying, by Nov. 19, 2015, all individuals who have purchased individual coverage through CUP, to be effective on or after Jan. 1, 2016, that their coverage is terminated. The company�s plans will no longer be listed on the Washington Healthplanfinder.

Even with CUP�s voluntary withdrawal, Washington remains a competitive market with a wide selection of choices. There are five companies that sell individual plans in Clark County. Overall in Washington, there are 14 insurers and more than 200 plans available for consumers for coverage in 2016.

Will existing claims be paid?

Washington state insurance law requires that all claims be paid and that company make plans for payment. At this time there is no concern about the company paying existing claims for enrollees in its Washington plans.

OIC has saved auto insurance consumers nearly $26 million since 2010

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.

Washington wildfire victims: Hire smart when repairing, rebuilding

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 rebuilding and repair headaches

• Verify your prospective contractor�s registration at www.ProtectMyHome.net or call 1-800-647-0982.
• Get at least three written bids.
• Check contractor references.
• Pay only as work is completed.

Moda will honor health coverage according to current contracts

The announcement this week by Moda Health that it�s withdrawing from the Washington insurance market has understandably raised questions from its current enrollees.

Enrollees should be aware that their current policies will remain in effect according to the terms of the contracts. Moda said it will fulfill its obligations for plans signed on or renewed by Oct. 31, 2015. That includes policies that have already been sold that start on Nov. 1 or Dec. 1, 2015. Policies that start on Jan. 1, 2016 or later will be terminated.

That�s true for individual, small- and large-group employer plans.

Moda this week notified the Washington Health Benefit Exchange of its decision to quit doing business here. The Exchange is reaching out to its customers to let them know.

You can read that notification here.

In Washington state, Moda has:

• About 18,000 people enrolled in the individual market inside and outside of the Exchange.
• About 29,000 people covered through large-group plans.  
• Another 900 enrolled in small-employer plans. 

Moda said it is withdrawing from Washington to focus on its business in Oregon and Alaska.

By the first week of November, the Oregon-based company is expected to notify all of its enrollees of its withdrawal from Washington.

Do you need flood insurance? Now is the time to do your research

Residents in Eastern Washington are facing increased risk of flooding after extreme wildfires the last two summers destroyed much of the vegetation there that would normally help prevent landslides and mudflows.

Flood damage is not covered by homeowner�s insurance. Consumers who want to protect their property must purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Most properties qualify for NFIP, as long as it is located in a community that participates in the NFIP.

NFIP has told to us that Okanogan County and most towns within the county will be able to purchase flood insurance.

Typically, there is a 30-day waiting period before your flood insurance policy takes effect. Here is information on how to find an agent near you who sells flood insurance policies through NFIP.

Read more about flood insurance: Are you protected against flood damage?

Eastern Washington fires burned down much of the vegetation that prevents flooding.
Photo courtesy Washington Military Department.