Citing the possible harm to insurance consumers and overwhelming public opposition, Commissioner Mike Kreidler has ruled against Premera Blue Cross’ conversion proposal. After an exhaustive review, the Commissioner found that Premera had offered no clear use for the money they sought to raise by going public and that the potential for premium increases would have a burdensome impact on consumer. He agreed with WCA and our partners in the Premera Watch Coalition that Premera’s scheme was not in the public interest and should not go forward.

The decision was the culmination of over two years of opposition from WCA and other critics who gained “intervenor” status in the case in order to advocate for protection of patients, providers and hospitals. WCA led the charge in forming the Premera Watch Coalition, a broad coalition of healthcare advocates and providers, to stand up for common sense and oppose Premera’s scheme. Issuing reports on the impact of a conversion on uninsurance rates, Premera’s plan to double the pay of top executives and possible cuts to payments to providers in the pursuit of stockholder profit, WCA successfully informed, motivated and mobilized consumers to speak for themselves.

In his decision, Commissioner Kreidler pointed out the over 5,300 letters, phone calls and e-mails, many from WCA members, opposing the conversion and expressing informed and well-grounded fears about the impact of a conversion on their premiums and their doctors. It was clear there was virtually no public support for the conversion and that our education and mobilization campaign had worked in getting consumers informed and activated.

Premera has now appealed Commissioner Kreidler’s decision and will continue to dump premium dollars into this losing fight. It is unclear just when this issue will be finally resolved but rest assured WCA will stay in this fight until the end. We know that a denial was in the public interest and that the Commissioner’s decision was made supported by the law and his obligation to protect the insurance buying public. We salute his for standing up for the people of the state of Washington.