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Press Releases

Last Updated: August 5, 2026

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October 31, 2024: Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address Encouraging Wisconsinites to Get Enrolled in Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment Period 

October 30, 2024: Gov. Evers, OCI Announce Wisconsin Among 14 States to Receive Federal Funding to Support Access to Reproductive and Maternal Healthcare under Affordable Care Act 

October 29, 2024: Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment Period 

October 25, 2024: Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Celebrates the Start of 2025 Open Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov

October 15, 2024: Gov. Evers Proclaims Financial Planning Month in Wisconsin 

September 3, 2024: Merrill Fire Department Highlights Benefits of Wisconsin Fire Dues Program

July 31, 2024: Insurance Premiums for Worker's Compensation Continue to Decline 

June 4, 2024: Gov. Evers, 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 Evers Administration Meet with Eau Claire Leaders to Support Regional Healthcare Workforce Following HSHS and Prevea Closures  

February 5, 2024: Insurance Commissioner 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






























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. Evers, 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, 2014: Early Winter Weather - Review Your Insurance and Check the Roads 

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

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

October 15, 2014: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period Starts Early 

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

September 9, 2014: Wisconsin Completes Filing Reviews 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 8, 2014: Wisconsin Joins NIMA as an Associate Member 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 6, 2014: OCI 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

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