Press Releases

​Last Updated: September 18, 2024

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2024​

September 3, 2024: Merrill Fir​e Depa​rtment Highlights Benefits of Wisconsin Fire Dues Program

July 31, 2024: ​​Insurance Premiums for Worker's Compensation C​ontinue to Decline​ ​

June 4, 2024: Gov. Ev​ers, OCI, DHS Celebrate Five Successful Years of the Health Care Coverage Partnership 

March 22, 2024: Gov. Evers, Evers Administration Celebrate 14 Years of the Affordable Care Act 

February 5, 2024: Gov. Evers, Members of Ev​ers Admin​istration Meet with Eau Claire Leaders to Support Regional Healthcare Workforce Following HSHS and Prevea Closures​ 

February 5, 2024: Insura​n​ce Comm​issioner Recognizes Flood Insurance Awareness Week

January 25: ​Gov. Evers, OCI Announce Record Number of Wisconsinites Enroll in Health Coverage on HealthCare.gov ​​ 

January 17: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Selected to Lead National Committee on Insurer Financial Solvency Issues

January 16: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Appoints New Deputy Commissioner

January 10: Gov. Evers Announces Wisconsin Reached Highest Enrollment Ever on HealthCare.gov​ ​​


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






























January 5, 2022: Insurance Commissioner Houdek, DATCP Secretary Romanski, and DHS Secretary-Designee Timberlake Celebrate the Implementation of the Federal No Surprises Act



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





November 18, 2020
Insurance Commissioner, DATCP Warn Wisconsinites to Watch for Health Insurance Scams​ 

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 

November 21, 2014​: Commissioner Ted Nickel Elected to NAIC Leadership 

November 17, 2014Early Winter Weather - Review Your Insurance and Check the Roads 

November 13, 2014OCI Releases Frequently Asked Questions on the Renewal Process 

October 28, 2014Are You Covered if a Deer Crosses Your Path? 

October 15, 2014Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Starts Early 

October 8, 2014Is Fire Damage Covered by Your Insurance? 

September 9, 2014​: Wisconsin Completes Filing Reviews 

September 4, 2014Continuing Your Education? Be Smart. Check Your Insurance. 

August 7, 2014Commissioner Nickel Named to Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance (FACI) 

July 16, 2014Wisconsin Releases Enrollment Numbers—Over 165,000 Wisconsinites Enrolled in Coverage 

July 1, 2014Commissioner Ted Nickel Statement on Storm Damage, Flooding in Southeastern Wisconsin 

June 30, 2014Commissioner Ted Nickel Statement on Storm Damage, Flooding in Western Wisconsin 

June 17, 2014Deputy Commissioner Dan Schwartzer Statement on Storm Damage, Flooding in Southern Wisconsin 

June 10, 2014Consumer Alert: More Health Insurance Exchange Problems, Some Consumers Have Incorrect Premium Tax Credit or Wrong Plan 

May 8, 2014Wisconsin Joins NIMA as an Associate Member 

May 8, 2014Grads: Don't Forget About Insurance 

April 18, 2014Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week
 
April 14, 2014Flood Insurance Is a Matter of Protection 

March 17, 2014Winter's Wonders Can Hide Icy Hazards 

March 14, 2014Ensure You're Insured—Don't let healthcare.gov Problems Impact You 

March 10, 2014Reminder: Health Insurance Open Enrollment Deadlines Coming 

March 4, 2014Joint Release: State Warns Consumers to be on the Alert When Signing up for the Affordable Care Act 

February 11, 2014Wisconsin OCI Orders $584,995 in Restitution from Agent 

January 6, 2014OCI Consumer Notice - Technical Problems Continue for the Federal Exchange Web site: Healthcare.gov

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 ​​