Scam alert: SHIBA impersonators cold-calling consumers

 We've learned about a phone scam that started in Snohomish County in which consumers are getting cold-calls from someone who says they are with SHIBA, the Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. SHIBA representatives never cold-call people. 

If you or someone you know gets a call like this, hang up -- do not provide any personal information. Report the incident and, if you have caller ID, the phone number to us at 1-800-562-6900. 

About SHIBA

Washington state's SHIBA provides free, unbiased and confidential help with Medicare and health care choices to people of all ages and backgrounds. Our volunteer advisors are located around the state. SHIBA is also Washington state’s Senior Medicare Patrol project that helps consumers prevent, detect and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. Contact SHIBA by email or at 1-800-562-6900.

Kreidler supports flood insurance reauthorization, increased private participation

 Congress has until Sept. 30 to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the federal government-run flood insurance market.

Flood damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Consumers who want to protect their property must purchase a policy through the NFIP.

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) are urging Congress to reauthorize the NFIP prior to its expiration on Sept. 30. Reauthorization would help avoid short-term extensions and program lapses that create uncertainty in the insurance, housing and lending markets.

Kreidler and the NAIC support the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act, which also facilitates the growth of the state-regulated private flood market.

“State insurance regulators support this legislation because it provides consumers with more options for coverage which could lead to more affordable prices,” said Kreidler.

In recognition of the growing private flood market, the NAIC will start collecting information from insurers about their private flood insurance activity. This data will provide the OIC with a comprehensive overview of the size of the private flood insurance market and insights into the market as it grows.