A look at the race for insurance commissioner
Leading candidate calls health insurance system "morally bankrupt"
For the first time in more than 20 years, the office of Insurance Commissioner is up for grabs by a newcomer. The insurance commissioner regulates the $30 billion insurance industry in Washington, including everything from health, vision, and dental, to property, auto, and pet insurance. So far, state Sen. Patty Kuderer is the only candidate raising money and campaigning—a sign the race could be effectively over by the May 10 filing deadline.
Washington is one of only 11 states that elect the insurance commissioner. Despite this, the race typically gets little attention. There are a few explanations for why this influential executive position receives little media and voter attention: An incumbent has held the seat for more than two decades; it’s not as high-profile a role as the governor or swing congressional seats; and the office and its myriad responsibilities are complex and wonky.
Why you should care about this: The insurance commissioner oversees the broad spectrum of insurers working throughout the state to ensure that these companies deliver on their promises to consumers—and is responsible for enforcement when they fall short. The most significant element of that is health insurance. And here’s where things get interesting: Kuderer isn’t a fan; she’s an antagonist.
“I’ve called our system morally bankrupt for a reason because it's a for-profit system and you make a profit off of denying people health care,” Kuderer told the Observer.
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