Mike Kreidler

Myron Bradford Kreidler, commonly known as Mike Kreidler, is an American physician and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Washington's 9th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, Kreidler's political career spans several decades, during which he has held various positions, including a significant tenure in the Washington State Legislature and as the eighth Insurance Commissioner of Washington. His congressional career lasted from 1993 until 1995, after which he continued to influence health policy and insurance regulation in the state.

Early life and career

Mike Kreidler was born on September 28, 1943. He pursued higher education at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he earned a bachelor's degree. Following his academic pursuits, Kreidler served in the United States Army as an optometry officer, a role that provided him with valuable experience in healthcare. After his military service, he furthered his education by obtaining a Doctor of Optometry degree and a Master of Public Health in health administration from the UCLA School of Public Health.

Kreidler's professional career began as an optometrist, where he worked for Group Health Cooperative of the Puget Sound in the Olympia clinic for two decades. His commitment to public service and education led him to enter the political arena. In 1973, he was elected to the North Thurston School Board, marking the beginning of his long-standing involvement in local governance. Kreidler's political career continued to expand as he served in the Washington State Legislature for 16 years. He was a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 1976 to 1984 and subsequently served in the Washington State Senate from 1984 until 1992. His legislative experience laid a strong foundation for his later election to the U.S. Congress.

House tenure

In 1992, Mike Kreidler was elected to represent Washington's 9th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. His election came at a time when he was already well-acquainted with the political landscape of Washington State, having served in various legislative capacities. Kreidler's tenure in the House began in 1993, where he focused on issues related to health care and public welfare, drawing from his background in medicine and public health.

During his time in Congress, Kreidler worked on various initiatives aimed at improving health care access and quality for constituents. However, his congressional career was relatively short-lived. He faced defeat in the 1994 election, losing his seat to Republican candidate Randy Tate. Following this setback, Kreidler continued to engage in public service and policy work, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to his community.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his career, Mike Kreidler has been particularly focused on health care reform and insurance regulation. His background as a physician and optometrist has informed his approach to health policy, making him an advocate for accessible and equitable health care solutions. Kreidler was notably involved in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Washington State, where he took a firm stance on maintaining protections for consumers, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions.

Kreidler's efforts to reform health care included proposing legislation to ban surprise medical billing in 2019. This initiative gained traction following media coverage of extreme cases where patients faced unexpected charges for medical services. The bill ultimately became law, reflecting Kreidler's commitment to protecting consumers from unforeseen financial burdens associated with medical care.

In addition to his work on surprise billing, Kreidler has actively addressed issues related to health care sharing ministries. He has taken enforcement actions against organizations that misrepresent their services, ensuring that consumers are not misled into purchasing ineffective health care plans. His actions in this area included significant fines against companies that sold fraudulent health sharing memberships, demonstrating his dedication to consumer protection.

Kreidler has also been a leader in addressing climate change within the insurance industry. Since 2007, he has chaired the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Climate Change and Global Warming Work Group, advocating for transparency and accountability among insurers regarding their preparedness for climate-related risks. His leadership in this area has contributed to a broader understanding of the intersection between environmental issues and insurance practices.

Despite his accomplishments, Kreidler's career has not been without controversy. Criticism has arisen regarding his responsiveness to mental health care issues and the enforcement of related laws. Editorials have pointed out perceived shortcomings in his office's actions to support families seeking necessary care for mental health conditions. Additionally, allegations of misconduct have surfaced, including claims of inappropriate behavior and language in the workplace. These allegations led to calls for his resignation from various political leaders in Washington State, although Kreidler has maintained his position and continued to serve as Insurance Commissioner.

Kreidler's political journey reflects a commitment to public service, with a focus on health care and insurance regulation. After his congressional term, he was appointed to the Northwest Power Planning Council in 1995 and later served as the Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Seattle. His experience in these roles further solidified his expertise in health policy and administration.

In 2000, Kreidler was elected as Washington's Insurance Commissioner, a position he has held through multiple re-elections, showcasing his continued support among voters. His focus on health care reform, consumer protection, and climate change has defined his tenure in this role, allowing him to influence policy at both the state and national levels.

Kreidler resides in Lacey, Washington, with his wife, Lela Kreidler. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. His involvement in various professional and fraternal organizations reflects his commitment to community engagement and public service. Kreidler's military service as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, where he retired after 20 years, further underscores his dedication to serving his country and community throughout his life.