COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Q1 2025

As we begin 2026, the Department remains committed to safeguarding Wyoming consumers, supporting a fair and competitive insurance marketplace, and ensuring transparency and accountability across all regulated entities. The accomplishments and activities outlined below reflect the dedication of our staff and the continued importance of strong regulatory oversight in protecting Wyoming citizens.

Form Filing and Regulatory Review

The Department continued to uphold Wyoming’s strong consumer protection standards through comprehensive review of insurance policy form filings. In 2025, the Property & Casualty Section received 4,481 filings, of which 2,415 required objections, representing 53.89% of all submissions. The Life & Health Section received 1,947 filings, with 662 objections, or 34% of submissions.

Wyoming’s statutory requirement that policy forms be filed, reviewed, approved, and only then used remains a significant safeguard for consumers. The objection process is a critical mechanism for identifying language that must be revised or supplemented to ensure compliance with state law and to maintain the integrity of insurance products offered in the state.

Medicare Supplement – Implementation of the Birthday Rule

In 2025, the Department implemented the Birthday Rule for Medicare Supplement policyholders. This provision allows individuals to evaluate and select alternative Medicare Supplement plans beginning on their birthday and continuing for 63 days, without the need for medical underwriting. This change enhances consumer choice and promotes access to more competitive coverage options.

Consumer and Industry Education

The Department continued its commitment to public outreach and professional education. The consumer unit handled 1,436 consumer inquires and closed 445 complaints. In addition, the unit recovered $1.8 million for Wyoming consumers. 

Throughout 2025, the Department also published monthly public service announcements in statewide newspapers and on the Department’s LinkedIn page. Topics included Medical Necessity vs. Prior Authorization, Contractor Fraud, Wyoming Consumer Health Insurance Options, and Open Enrollment. Staff also participated in interviews with Cowboy State Daily and the Jackson Hole News & Guide, and contributed an article to AARP.

Licensing Section Activity

The Licensing Section experienced substantial activity throughout 2025. The Section:

• Issued 43,420 new licenses

• Processed 71,774 renewals

• Completed 92,352 address and name changes

• Maintained 226,171 active licenses in the State of Wyoming

• Collected over $17 million in licensing fees

These figures reflect the continued growth and mobility of the licensed insurance workforce serving Wyoming consumers.

Legal Section Activity

The Legal Section managed a significant regulatory and administrative workload in 2025. The Section:

• Finalized six regulations

• Processed 50 public records requests

• Opened 55 docket files

• Collected $57,250 in fines

These activities support the Department’s mission to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability across all regulated entities.

Fiscal Section Activity

In 2025, the Fiscal Section collected more than $38 million in premium tax. The Section also reviewed approximately 14 new company expansion applications for insurers seeking authorization to write business in Wyoming.

2025 Legislative Session Overview

During the 2025 General Session, the Department monitored and provided testimony on three bills:

• SEA No. 0064 – Insurance Holding Company Regulations

• SEA No. 0065 – Insurance Amendments

• HEA No. 0012 – Provider Enrollment Standards

All three bills were signed into law and became effective July 1, 2025. The Department also completed work on the Provider Exemptions for Prior Authorization (Gold Carding) rules, which were signed by the Governor on December 3, 2025, and took effect January 1, 2026.

Public Appearances and Outreach

The Department continued its commitment to community engagement. Commissioner Rude and Investigator Todd Schildmeier attended a community meeting in Sheridan, Wyoming. The meeting focused on wildfire concerns in Wyoming and they discussed strategies for homeowners to mitigate risk.

Insurance Standards Manager Lela Ladd conducted a 1.5hour Medicare workshop and a 2 hour CE course for insurance agents on Wyoming insurance laws and regulations. Deputy Howard and Ms. Reinking also traveled to Cody, Wyoming for the Association of Wyoming Insurance Agents annual conference where Deputy Howard discussed the Department of Insurance and what we can and cannot do for insureds. She also discussed the complaint process within our office and the various sections that may be contacted for assistance on insurance matters.

Senior Financial Examiner Rich Ryan participated in an outreach initiative with Laramie County Community College’s College of Business to introduce students to the field of insurance regulation.

Lauren White, the PBM Manager did an onsite visit to a small town pharmacy in our state to discuss issues independent pharmacies are having with Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Ms. White is using that information to conduct follow-up discussions with other independent pharmacies. 

Commissioner Rude, Deputy Commissioner Tana Howard, and Senior Health Policy Analyst Jill Reinking participated in committee meetings with the Joint Corporations and Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committees on legislation under consideration for the 2026 Budget Session.

In all the Department completed over eighty-five (85) contacts between presentations, interviews, PSAs, industry guidance and form updates.

The Department’s work in 2025 and into the first quarter of 2026 reflects our unwavering commitment to consumer protection, regulatory excellence, and public service. We remain focused on strengthening Wyoming’s insurance marketplace, supporting informed decision making by consumers, and ensuring that insurers operating in the state meet the highest standards of compliance. We look forward to continuing this important work in the months ahead.

Jeff Rude, Wyoming Insurance Commissioner