Washington State Insurance Commissioner Letter To Health Plans To Clarify Obligations In Complying With State Supreme Court Ruling In O.S.T .v. Regence Blueshield

On October 20, 2014, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler directed all health insurers in Washington State to identify any policyholders who since January 1, 2006 had been denied coverage of mental health services due to the insurer's blanket or categorical exclusion. The insurers must notify affected policyholders of their right to have their claim re-evaluated. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner will review all blanket exclusions contained in filings for the 2015 plan year to ensure that medically necessary mental health services will not be inappropriately excluded. Issuers will be instructed to change provisions in their proposed . . .