REDMOND—Insurance Commissioner Mike Kriedler announced that all insurance companies in the state that had denied mental health coverage under blanket exclusions since 2006 would be required to reevaluate these claims. Commissioner Krielder set a March 1, 2015 deadline for all insurers to notify affected policyholders of their rights under O.S.T. v. Regence BlueShield in which the Washington Supreme Court found that such exclusions violated the state’s Mental Health Parity Act.

Arzu Forough, Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy, issued the following statement:

“Insurance Commissioner Kriedler’s action promises to offer real relief to thousands of families that were unfairly saddled with massive bills for medically necessary care. It’s impossible to overestimate the impact of this decision for families that have suffered from insurance companies’ decision to deny coverage for critical autism treatments.

“Unfortunately, we’ll never know how many children didn’t receive crucial care as a result of insurers’ illegal policies. While we’re happy that the Office of Insurance Commissioner is working so hard to right these wrongs, this should serve as a reminder of the profound costs associated with these denials. The Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy will continue working to hold insurance companies accountable to the law.”

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