WSDA Endorses Patty Kuderer for Washington State Insurance Commissioner
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Advocacy on dental insurance issues is the top priority for Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) member dentists. That’s why the Association is excited to announce our endorsement of Patty Kuderer for Washington state insurance commissioner.
Washington has not seen a new insurance commissioner since incumbent Mike Kreidler was elected in the year 2000. After 24 years, it is vital that dentists stand behind a new leader who supports holding insurance companies accountable, values the doctor-patient relationship, listens to dentists’ concerns, and respects patients over profits. Patty Kuderer is an ally to WSDA on our dental benefits work and would be an important partner during the 2025 legislative session and beyond.
"Having been involved with the WSDA for the past nine years, I have seen how important it is to have a responsive insurance commissioner who understands the importance of such a role in protecting the public/consumer — especially the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship,” said WSDA President Dr. Nathan Russell. “Patty Kuderer understands the viewpoint of dentists and will be proactive to the concerns and needs of Washington state citizens. She is not about maintaining the status quo."
A ‘GAME-CHANGER’ INTO THE NEXT DECADE
In addition to WSDA’s endorsement, Patty Kuderer has also gained the endorsement of the DentPAC Board of Directors. Speaking to the endorsement, DentPAC Chair Dr. Cindy Pauley highlights the long-term impact that Kuderer’s election would have on the issue of insurance reform in Washington state.
“Patty Kuderer is someone who really wants to listen to our issues and finally hold insurance companies accountable to the people they serve,” Pauley said. “This insurance commissioner election has the potential to be a game-changer into the next decade.”
On the sentiment of change, WSDA President-elect Dr. Chris Dorow — who serves on the DentPAC Board alongside Pauley — agrees. As he and other dentists who have been practicing for a few decades know, the opportunity to influence the Office of the Insurance Commissioner doesn’t come around very often.
“I have been practicing dentistry for almost 30 years, and for the first time, I feel like I have a real chance for my concerns about insurance to be heard with the election of Patty Kuderer,” Dorow said.
“After so many years, it would be nice to have something other than the insurance industry coming first.”
WSDA ENDORSES CALDIER, GIBBONS
In addition to endorsing Patty Kuderer for insurance commissioner, WSDA and the DentPAC Board also endorse Dr./Rep. Michelle Caldier for state representative in the 26th Legislative District and Dr. John Gibbons for state representative in the 23rd Legislative District. Having two dentists in the state legislature alongside a supportive insurance commissioner would bolster WSDA’s advocacy efforts on insurance, workforce, and other issues for years to come.
Read more about Caldier and Gibbons from WSDA News Issue 1, 2024 at www.bit.ly/3UrmOvd.
‘RIGHT TIME’ FOR ENDORSEMENT
This year marks the first time WSDA has officially endorsed a slate of political candidates. Alongside DentPAC donations and fundraising opportunities, endorsement provides the Association with yet another powerful advocacy tool in the 2024 election and beyond.
“We need more champions in all levels of government to be partners in prioritizing patients over profits. The time is right, and WSDA is proud to step into the arena and make our voice clear,” said WSDA Advocacy Director Kevin Schilling. “Endorsing candidates as an Association further signals to our elected officials that we are serious in our efforts, and plan to be engaged partners moving forward for the profession and for patients."
To learn more or discuss the Association’s political endorsement process, please contact Schilling at kevin@wsda.org.
SUPPORT ENDORSED CANDIDATES
To show your support for WSDA-endorsed candidates, visit their campaign websites or send a donation check by mail.
Patty Kuderer
Patty for Washington
PO Box 20792
Seattle, WA 98102
Dr. Michelle Caldier
Michelle Caldier for State Representative
PO Box 1710
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Dr. John Gibbons
Vote Dr. John Gibbons
19689 7th Ave NE #228
Poulsbo, WA 98370
