Press Releases

December 4, 2023: Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Earns NAIC Accreditation ​

November 27, 2023: Wisconsin OCI Releases New Study Analyzing Network Adequacy​

October 31, 2023: Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment​​ 

October 25, 2023: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Celebrates Competitive Health Insurance Market Ahead of Open Enrollment Period​

August 17, 2023: Wisconsin OCI Releases New Study Analyzing Short-Term Limited Duration Plans​​

July 31, 2023: Insurance Premiums for Worker's Compensation Continue to Decline​  ​

July 10, 2023: Wisconsin OCI, DFI, and DATCP Alert Consumers to Misleading Home Warranty Mail Solicitations ​​​​

April 14, ​2023: ​Prepare for Severe Weather With Tips From State Agencies 

March 23, 2023: ​Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner H​oudek Recognize 13 Years of the Affordable Care Act​​ 

February 23, 2023: Insurance Commissioner Shares Tips for Wisconsinites with Winter Storm Damage ​

February 16, 2023: Insurance Commissioner Houdek's Statement on Governor Evers' Budget Address​

February 6, 2023: Insurance Commissioner Recognizes Flood Insurance Awareness Week​

January 26, 2023: Over 221,000 Wisconsinites Enroll in Health Coverage on Healthcare.gov​

January 9, 2023: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner makes leadership appointments​

January 5, 2023: Open Enrollment Reminder: Deadline to Sign Up for Health Coverage is Ten Days Away

November 11, ​2021: Avoid Insurance Scams during Open Enrollment​

October 26, 2021: DATCP Secretary Romanski and Insurance Commissioner Afable Remind Consumers to put Cybersecurity First​

October 25, 2021: Insurance Commissioner Reminds Wisconsin Drivers of Deer-Vehicle Crash Risk ​

October 21, 2021: Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance Protects Consumers and Holds Former Insurance Agent Accountable​

October 13, 2021: Gov. Evers and Insurance Commissioner Afable​ Announce Lower Rates and More Choice for Wisconsinites ahead of Healthcare.gov Open Enrollment​

October 12, 2021: Stronger Wisconsin Release: WI Agency Secretaries Highlight Community Efforts Toward Greater Climate Resiliency in Milwaukee​ 

August 5, 2021: Wisconsinites already covered through Healthcare.gov Save 42% on Premiums during Special Enrollment Period which ends August 15​

July 22, 2021: Insurance Commissioner Approves Worker's Compensation Rate Decrease that Provides Relief to Businesses Recovering from Pandemic​

July 15, 2021: Governor Evers Signs Law to Enhance Insurance Cybersecurity Measures​

July 8, 2021: Budget Delivers on Expanded Health Care Access​

June 28, 2021: Stronger Wisconsin Release: Agency Secretaries Unite to Call Attention to Climate Disaster Mitigation Opportunities​

June 2, 2021: Insurance Commissioner Afable Leads National Pre-Disaster Mitigation Effort​

April 21, 2021: Insurance Commissioner Afable Announces New Leadership Role in National Effort toward Climate Resiliency​ 

April 7, 2021: Thousands of Wisconsinites Get Covered on Healthcare.gov​

April 2, 2021: OCI & PSC Op-Ed: Broadband Expansion is Critical to Health Care Access in Wisconsin​

March 26, 2021: Rx Task Force Chair Op-Ed: Bold, Innovative Rx Drug Budget Proposal Will Make a Difference for Wisconsin Families​

March 23, 2021: On the ACA Anniversary, Commissioner Afable Recognizes its Impact in Wisconsin​

March 15, 2021: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Confirms Getting Vaccinated Will Not Impact Life Insurance Policies​

February 16, 2021: Commissioner Afable Statement on Governor Evers' Budget Announcement​

February 16, 2021: Governor Evers Offers Bold Plan to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Wisconsinites​

February 10, 2021: Insurance Commissioner, DATCP Warn Wisconsinites to Watch for Health Insurance Scams​

February 8, 2021: Insurance Commissioner, DATCP Warn of COVID Vaccine Scams​

February 8, 2021: OCI Encourages Wisconsinites to Consider Flood Insurance before Spring Flooding​

February 3, 2021: Insurance Commissioner Afable Orders Summary Suspension of Insurance Agent's License to Protect Consumers on the HealthCare.Gov Marketplace​

February 1, 2021: Gov. Ev​ers, OCI Announce New Open Enrollment Period for HealthCare.gov Only Two Weeks Away​​​

January 29, 2021: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Announces Nearly $4 Million Recovered for Consumers in 2020 ​​

January 8, 2021: Consumer Alert, Medova Healthcare Financial Group and Lifestyle Health Plans

December 16, 2019: Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov Extended 

December 9, 2019: Insurance Commissioner, DATCP Warn Wisconsinites to Watch for Health Insurance Scams 

November 21, 2019: Media Advisory: Insurance Commissioner, Health Secretary to Participate in “Coverage to Care" Roundtable with Outagamie County Leaders 

November 20, 2019: First Prescription Drug Task Force Meeting Highlights Complexity of Prescription Drug Pricing and Charts Process for Making Recommendations 

November 18, 2019: Governor's Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices to Hold First Meeting November 20 

November 13, 2019: Insurance Commissioner Takes Action to Protect Wisconsin Consumers, Revokes Agent License 

October 17, 2019: Prescription Drug Step Therapy Changes Go into Effect for Wisconsin Consumers on November 1 

October 10, 2019: Gov. Evers Announces More Health Insurance Options for Wisconsinites in 2020 Ahead of Open Enrollment 

September 27, 2019: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Warns Residents in Western Wisconsin to Avoid “Storm Chasers" 

August 2, 2019: Gov. Evers Announces Lower Rates on Wisconsin's Individual Health Insurance​ Market​ 

July 24, 2019: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Provides Guidance for Consumers Affected by Storms and Severe Weather 

July 22, 2019: Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Rates Decrease for Fourth Consecutive Year 

June 3, 2019: Gov. Evers, Dept. of Health Services and Insurance Commission Announce Health Care Coverage Partnership

May 7, 2019: Insurance Commissioner Says Medicaid Expansion Lowers Insurance Premiums on Individual Market 

March 21, 2019: Gov. Evers Honors 13 Recipients of 2018 Financial Literacy Award in Capitol Ceremony 

March 20, 2019: Gov. Evers will Host 2018 Financial Literacy Awards Ceremony in the State Capitol 

March 15, 2019: Insurance Commission Offers Advice for Wisconsin Residents Impacted by Flooding; Gov. Evers Declared State of Emergency in Response to Flooding 

March 8, 2019: Insurance Commissioner Highlights Gov. Evers' Investment in Medigap Helpline for Wisconsin Seniors 

March 7, 2019: Insurance Commissioner Afable Holds Roundtable with Medigap Helpline 

March 5, 2019: Insurance Commission Urges Wisconsinites to Evaluate Flood Insurance Needs Before the Snow Melts 

February 25, 2019: Wisconsinites Encouraged to Build Personal Savings during Wisconsin Saves Week 

February 6, 2019: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Announces Remaining Leadership Appointments 

January 29, 2019: Winter Weather Hazards Can Threaten Your Home or Business

December 10, 2018: Final Deadline for 2019 Open Enrollment Approaching 

December 6, 2018: Consumer Alert: Phone Solicitation for Health Insurance Plans 

November 19, 2018: Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Earns NAIC Accreditation 

October 29, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Op-Ed: The Wisconsin Health Care Stability Plan 

October 29, 2018: 2019 Open Enrollment Begins November 1—2019 Rates are Lower by 4.2 Percent on Weighted Average from 2018 Rates 

October 11, 2018: Lowering the Cost of Health Care: 2019 Individual Health Insurance Rates to Drop by an Average 4.2 Percent Thanks to Governor Walker's Health Care Stability Plan 

October 8, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Drivers Deer Season Has Arrived 

September 24, 2018: It’s Life Insurance Awareness Month. Are Your Loved Ones Protected? 

September 19, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Consumers to Evaluate Their Insurance Coverage in Case of Disaster 

September 10, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Congratulates Roger Frings as Newly Elected Chair of the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse 

September 10, 2018: Careers in Insurance: Removing Barriers for Veterans to Advance in Wisconsin’s Workforce 

September 6, 2018: Consumer Alert: Potential Home Warranty Scam Affecting Wisconsin Consumers 

August 31, 2018: Storm Aftermath: Insurance Tips for Wisconsinites 

August 24, 2018: School is in Session. Your First Homework – Check Your Insurance Needs 

August 22, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Offers Insurance Tips in Response to Widespread Flooding 

August 9, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Op-Ed: When Washington Fails, Wisconsin Leads 

August 7, 2018: Distracted Drivers Put Lives in Jeopardy and Cost Consumers 

July 29, 2018: Lowering the Cost of Health Care: Individual Market Premiums Expected to Drop 3.5% on Average Next Year Thanks to Governor Walker’s Health Care Stability Plan 

June 20, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Statement Following Governor Walker’s State of Emergency Declaration in Northwestern Wisconsin 

June 14, 2018: Insurance Tips for Wisconsin’s Recent Graduates 

June 5, 2018: Wisconsin OCI Orders Agent to Repay Over $1 Million 

May 21, 2018: Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness 

April 23, 2018: Money Smart Week® Wisconsin 

April 19, 2018: Governor Walker Submits Health Care Stability Plan for Federal Approval 

April 9, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Consumers to Plan for Their Retirement 

April 3, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (Madison, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application

March 21, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (Milwaukee, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application

March 15, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (Green Bay, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application

March 15, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (Wausau, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application

March 14, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (Marshfield, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application

March 14, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (Chippewa Falls, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application 

March 13, 2018: Public Hearing Notice (La Crosse, WI): OCI 1332 Draft Waiver for State Innovation Application 

March 8, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Appointed Zach Bemis as Chief Legal Counsel 

February 21, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Applauds Legislature on Passage of SB 770, Wisconsin Health Care Stability Plan, with Bipartisan Support 

February 12, 2018: OCI Testifies on AB 885 and SB 770 Relating to Wisconsin’s Health Care Stability Plan 

January 23, 2018: Commissioner Nickel Announces Successful Conclusion of the Rehabilitation of the Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance 

December 13, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Wisconsin Consumers 2018 Open Enrollment Deadline Approaching 

November 16, 2017: OCI, NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator Finds $92.5 Million for Consumers in First Year 

October 31, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Consumers to Shop for Health Insurance 

October 12, 2017: 2018 Open Enrollment: November 1 – December 15, 2017 

October 6, 2017: Deer Hits—Are You Covered? 

September 8, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Encourages Returning Students to Review Their Insurance Coverage 

July 12, 2017: Commissioner Ted Nickel Statement on Summer Storms in Wisconsin 

June 28, 2017: Insurance Awareness Day 

June 27, 2017: Consumer Alert: Scammers Targeting Seniors in Wisconsin 

May 31, 2017: Wisconsin Grads Should Think Insurance 

May 30, 2017: OCI: Resource for Severe Weather Recovery Efforts 

May 19, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Statement Following Severe Weather in Wisconsin 

May 17, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Op-Ed: Health Insurance Reforms like Wisconsin's HIRSP Offer Way Forward 

May 5, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Statement on the American Health Care Act 

April 25, 2017: It's Money Smart Week® Wisconsin 

April 17, 2017: Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week 

April 3, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Consumers About Retirement Planning 

March 28, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Encourages Wisconsin Consumers to Evaluate Flood Insurance Needs 

February 20, 2017: Commissioner Nickel Appoints Charlotte Klenke as Chief Legal Counsel 

December 15, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Elected as 2017 NAIC President 

December 12, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Wisconsin Consumers 2017 Open Enrollment Deadlines Approaching 

December 5, 2016: OCI, NAIC Launch Life Insurance Policy Locator Service 

November 10, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in Wausau 

November 8, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in Tomahawk 

October 27, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay 

October 26, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in Milwaukee 

October 26, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in Madison 

October 24, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in Eau Claire 

October 24, 2016: OCI to Hold Federal Health Care Town Hall in La Crosse 

October 20, 2016: Commissioner Ted Nickel Cautions Drivers as Deer Activity Increases 

October 18, 2016: OCI Holding Statewide Federal Health Care Town Halls/2017 Coverage Map Now Available 

October 7, 2016: Open Enrollment: Important Deadlines and Changes/OCI Completes Premium Rate Reviews 

September 28, 2016: Wisconsin Storm and Flood Damage 

September 26, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Appoints Elizabeth Hizmi as Legislative Liaison and Public Information Officer 

August 19, 2016: Commissioner Nickel's Letter to CMS on Auto Re-enrollment 

August 19, 2016: School is in session. Your first homework—check your insurance. 

August 9, 2016: Commissioner Nickel's Letter to IRS on Proposed Regulation Related to Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance and Fixed Indemnity Insurance 

August 8, 2016: OCI Unveils Revamped Web Site 

July 12, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Statement on Heavy Storms in Northern Wisconsin 

July 11, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Op-Ed: Should the Federal Government Pick a Health Plan Automatically for You? 

June 24, 2016: Commissioner Nickel's Letter to CMS on Auto Enrollment 

June 17, 2016: Commissioner Ted Nickel Approved for IAIS Leadership Role 

June 7, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Appoints J.P. Wieske as Deputy Commissioner 

May 23, 2016: Court Approves Dan Schwartzer's Appointment as Special Deputy Commissioner for Ambac 

May 6, 2016: Wisconsin OCI Orders $516,434 in Restitution from Agent 

April 27, 2016: Insurance Commissioner Says "Get Money Smart"  

April 11, 2016: Commissioner Nickel Reminds Consumers to Plan for Their Retirement 

January 25, 2016: ACA Updates: Important Deadlines and Changes 

October 30, 2015: Are You Covered if a Deer Crosses Your Path? 

October 28, 2015: Office of Commissioner of Insurance Releases Coverage Map/OCI Reminds Consumers Open Enrollment Period Starts on November 1 

October 14, 2015: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Starts Early—Check Your Options Now 

September 9, 2015: Western Wisconsin Storm Damage 

September 4, 2015: School is in session. Your first homework—check your insurance. 

April 22, 2015: Insurance Commissioner Says "Get Money Smart"

April 15, 2015: Severe Weather Ushers In Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week 

March 17, 2015: Spring Thaws Can Hide Icy Hazards 

February 27, 2015: Consumer Alert: Know Whether Your Policy Covers New Tests 

December 27, 2013: Nickel Elected to NAIC Leadership Post 

December 20, 2013: Winter Weather? Check Your Insurance and the Roads 

December 20, 2013: Wisconsin Office of Commissioner of Insurance Earns NAIC Accreditation 

October 31, 2013: Deer and Vehicles—Are You Covered? 

September 26, 2013: Platteville and Superior Affordable Care Act Town Hall Meetings 

September 24, 2013: Scammers Take Advantage of Health Reform Confusion 

September 24, 2013​: Janesville Affordable Care Act Town Hall Meeting 

September 23, 2013: Milwaukee Affordable Care Act Town Hall Meetings 

September 19, 2013: OCI Provides Information on Federal Exchange Service Areas

September 3, 2013: Wisconsin Releases Information on Rate Filings 

August 28, 2013: Continuing Your Education? Remember Insurance 

August 27, 2013: Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Holding Statewide Federal Health Care Sessions for Consumers 

August 12, 2013: Severe Weather Prompts Commissioner to Remind Consumers about Weather-Related Damage Coverage 

August 6, 2013: Wisconsin Completes Filing Reviews 

May 16, 2013: Will Your Insurance Cover Fire Damage? 

March 21, 2013: Travel Insurance and Spring Break Could Keep You in the Green 

February 14, 2013: Commissioner Urges Caution on Winter Roads 

February 1, 2013: Winter's Wonders Can Hide Icy Hazards 

January 23, 2013: Commissioner Nickel Places Partnership Health Plan, Inc., Into Rehabilitation 

October 25, 2012: Deer Season is Here. Can Your Auto Policy Take the Hit? 

October 16, 2012​: Medicare Advantage Open-Enrollment Period Starts Early. Check Your Options Now.

September 7, 2012: Use Your Insurance Knowledge to Prepare for College 

August 22, 2012: Bruijn-Hansen Appointed Local Government Property Insurance Fund Manager 

August 14, 2012: AIG Pays $900,000 Settlement to Wisconsin 

July 24, 2012: Commissioner Ted Nickel Statement on the Wisconsin Drought 

July 3, 2012: Kohlmann Appointed Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund Manager 

June 28, 2012: Commissioner Nickel Disappointed in Supreme Court Decision 

June 22, 2012: Wisconsin Rebates Are Below the National Average 

June 21, 2012: Deputy Commissioner Dan Schwartzer Statement on the Flooding in Northern Wisconsin

June 19, 2012: Don't Let Increased Deer Activity Spoil Your Summer Fun 

June 15, 2012: A Home Inventory Will Save Time and Money on Insurance Claims 

June 5, 2012: Circuit Court Approves Rehabilitator's Motions 

May 30, 2012: Commissioner Nickel Responds to Erroneous Wisconsin Association of Justice Report

May 25, 2012: Accelerated Certificate Program Now Available for Veterans at Madison College 

May 22, 2012: Insurance Commissioner Offers Money-Saving Reminders 

May 17, 2012: Don't Just Check Your Tan, Make Sure to Check Your Insurance Coverage 

May 16, 2012: AMBAC: Notice from the Rehabilitator 

April 23, 2012: Insurance Commissioner Says "Get Money Smart" 

March 16, 2012: Commissioner Ted Nickel to Lead NAIC Working Group 

February 22, 2012: Flood Insurance is a Matter of Policy 

February 16, 2012: HHS Rejects Wisconsin's Request for a Transitional MLR Adjustment 

January 27, 2012: Commissioner Urges Caution on Winter Roads ​​