Once again, a Washington Appellate Court has ruled that an insurer’s blanket denial of payment of a medical bill that exceeds a predetermined amount constitutes an unfair practice in violation of the state Consumer Protection Act. [Stan Schiff v Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, No. 82554-2-1 Decided 11/28/2022 footnote 8 at 12] “Insurers must make…
Last year, Congress directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take into consideration efforts by organizations subject to HIPAA security standards (“covered entities” and “business associates”) to implement “recognized security practices” whenever HHS determines fines and other remedies for HIPAA security violations. …the Secretary shall consider whether the covered entity or business…
When a traditional marketplace changes and we save money, we cheer it as “disruptive innovation.” That was one of the big ideas behind the Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare marketplace and Exchanges like Washington’s Healthplanfinder. Buy direct and save; avoid sales commissions. Be your own insurance broker or ask a “navigator.” But, as the Harvard…
On August 9, 2021, Washington Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 21-14 requiring certain classes of individuals to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination by October 18, 2021. Technically, the order mandates a vaccine in reverse by prohibiting not having a vaccination. Prohibitions. This order prohibits the following: Any Worker from engaging in work for a State Agency after…
While the U.S. House of Representatives was busy impeaching President Trump for the second time, the President was busy. Lost in news of the tumult of violence in the Capitol was the White House announcement of the signing of legislation breaking a pillar of insurance law – the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945. Health insurers, including…
