• The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has a seat on the legislatively established Universal Health Care Commission (UHCC) and as Insurance Commissioner, I will be actively engaged in the work to develop and implement short term, mid-term and long term strategies to move Washington to a single-payer, universal health care system, including:

    Research-Backed Policy Development: I will work with the UHCC to conduct comprehensive research on various healthcare models, drawing upon successful approaches both domestically and internationally. This research will inform the development of a robust and tailored universal healthcare system that meets the unique needs of Washington residents.

    Legislation and Advocacy: I will work closely with state legislators to draft and advocate for legislation that establishes a universal healthcare system in Washington. This legislation will prioritize equitable access to healthcare services, sustainable funding mechanisms, and strong consumer protections.

    Stakeholder Collaboration: Implementing universal healthcare requires collaboration with the Legislature and a diverse array of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurers, advocacy groups, and community organizations. I am committed to fostering partnerships and engaging in meaningful dialogue to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative healthcare system.

    Equity and Access: I am dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all Washingtonians, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or geographic location. My administration will prioritize initiatives that promote health equity and eliminate barriers to care.

    Oversight and Accountability: Once universal healthcare is implemented, I will maintain vigilant oversight to ensure the system operates efficiently, effectively, and in the best interest of Washington residents. I am committed to accountability and will regularly evaluate the system's performance to identify areas for improvement.

    By prioritizing these key areas, I am confident that we can successfully implement universal healthcare in Washington and create a healthcare system that works for everyone. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for our state.

  • Since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision, 14 states have implemented a total abortion ban, including our neighbor, Idaho. While in the Legislature, I championed bills that strengthened the right to an abortion, contraception and other reproductive health services, and that protect doctors and patients who live or travel here from overreach by states where abortion is illegal, all of which passed in our post-Dobbs reproductive justice package. I also sponsored legislation to codify reproductive rights in our state constitution.

    It is up to the Insurance Commissioner’s Office to ensure these laws are fully and fairly implemented, and that health insurance plans do not restrict or limit a patient’s access to this care. As Insurance Commissioner, I will do just that, and will continue to defend access to quality reproductive care by working with other state insurance commissioners to make abortion a federal right - which it was for over 50 years under Roe v. Wade. The right to choose is one of the most important issues in dispute this election, and one that I will unconditionally defend.

  • Each year hundreds of Americans die from accidental shootings, and even more are seriously injured. Unsafely stored firearms increase the risk of unintentional firearm injuries and deaths. Rarely are the victims of these unintentional shootings compensated, because the person who negligence caused the injury does not have firearm insurance.

    We need to change that here in Washington, and while in the legislature, I championed gun safety laws including a bill proposing gun owners carry liability insurance. As Insurance Commissioner, I will support agency-request legislation to require gun owner liability insurance to provide financial compensation for victims of unintentional shootings. Insurance companies could incentivize responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to demonstrate their knowledge of gun safety and secure storage practices. This insurance will provide an additional layer of accountability for gun owners, similar to our state’s requirement that drivers have auto insurance and most importantly, provide some financial support to victims of accidental shootings and help reduce the number of accidental shootings and deaths.

  • The effects of climate change are undeniable. From more frequent wildfires to more intense storms we are seeing the real world impacts of climate change today, and they are already having a tremendous economic impact on our state. We need to better prepare and ensure that there are appropriate insurance protections for our state’s businesses and homes.

    As Insurance Commissioner, I will build on the work already being done to address climate change and related insurance issues like increasing premiums and non-renewal notices. This necessarily includes working with insurers on risk mitigation strategies for homeowners and businesses, ensuring consumers are aware of steps they can take to reduce their risk. It also includes exploring options for risk-sharing and partnership with the state’s public insurance program to provide coverage for homes and businesses based on risk assessment. Finally, I will review the state’s regulatory framework to ensure the property insurance products sold in our state are fair, affordable and accessible to all Washingtonians.

    The financial stakes that come with climate change are high, but by working with all stakeholders to reduce the risk of climate change, we can help build economic resilience and minimize the economic impacts of climate change in our state.

  • The cost of auto insurance continues to rise, making it difficult for an increasing number of drivers to afford auto insurance coverage required by our State. This in turn, leads to more accidents involving uninsured drivers, and that leads to higher auto insurance pricing overall.

    There are many reasons for this, including the fact that the more high-tech a vehicle is, the more it costs to repair even minor damage. As Insurance Commissioner, I will review premium increases to ensure they are actuarially sound. Additionally, there must be more transparency in the auto insurance industry around their pricing formulas and factors used to determine premiums. This helps consumers better understand how their premiums are set and will allow them to make more informed decisions about which policies to purchase. It would also encourage competition among the auto insurance companies.

    It’s also important for drivers to do all they can to lower their premiums. I will work to make programs that encourage risk reduction, like driver’s training and accident prevention programs, accessible to everyone. In addition, insurers could partner with the auto industry by creating discounts for vehicles with advanced safety features. Finally, as Insurance Commissioner, I will work with other state agencies to address the high rates of uninsured drivers and rising medical costs that impact auto insurance rates.

  • The United States has the most complicated and costly healthcare system in the world, and it is often confusing to navigate. One minute your doctor is in your network, the next they are not. This is also true for prescription medicine as drug formularies continually change, meaning you may be required to change your medicine even though what you are on is working for you. And we also know that while Charity Care is the law, it’s not always followed. So what does this mean for consumers?

    It can mean bankruptcy. Unpaid medical bills are the number one reason for bankruptcy in the United States. While we have the Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA), one of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, it does not currently apply to health insurance companies or denial of most medical claims. While there are consumer protections in Washington’s Patients Bill of Rights as well as federal legislation, the reality is the process is complicated, confusing and challenging for most people to use. An improperly denied medical claim occurs too often in Washington, and I know firsthand what that feels like - it is frightening, maddening, and overwhelming, all at the same time.

    As Insurance Commissioner, I will work to simplify the appeals process to make it easier for consumers to engage and understand, and will provide information about ways the Insurance Commissioner’s Office may be of assistance when a medical claim is denied.

  • During my time in the Legislature, I championed legislation to support our firefighters, recognizing the risks they face and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe. One significant achievement has been the passage of a law that establishes a presumption of occupational-relatedness for certain cancers developed by firefighters. However, there are still challenges ahead, particularly regarding insurance coverage for screening tests crucial in detecting these cancers early. Despite the proven effectiveness of these tests in saving lives and reducing healthcare costs in the long run, insurance companies resist covering them. As your State Insurance Commissioner, I will prioritize advocating for mandatory coverage of these tests by health plans, ensuring that our firefighters have access to the preventive care they deserve without financial barriers.