Office address: 106 E 6th Ave, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Website: doi.wyo.gov
Year established: 1919
Employees: 27+
Key people: Jeffrey P. Rude (insurance commissioner), Tana Howard (deputy commissioner), Becky McFarland (staff attorney), Tracey McEwan (chief financial examiner), Bryan Stevens (consumer affairs supervisor), Lisa Hastings (licensing supervisor)
Operating budget: $19 million (FY 2025-26)
The Wyoming Insurance Department (also known as Wyoming Department of Insurance or Wyoming DOI) regulates insurers and licensees under Title 26 of the Wyoming Statutes. It protects the public by enforcing insurance laws, reviewing filings, resolving complaints, and monitoring financial stability.
The Wyoming DOI was created in 1919 under state statute to regulate insurers doing business in Wyoming. Since then, the department has strengthened its authority by updating rules and increasing consumer protections.
These improvements help the agency oversee solvency, policy filings, rates, and licensing across the insurance sector. Here’s a list of key historical moments that shaped the Wyoming Insurance Department’s path:
1968: issued first rule on variable contracts for life and annuities
1986: supported creation of State Self-Insurance Program during hard insurance market
1997: amended regulations to match changing insurance products
2013: repealed Chapter 27 and adopted Chapters 66 and 67 for variable life insurance and annuity contract regulations
2015: placed WINhealth into receivership due to insolvency
2018: guided residents on Medicare and ACA open enrollment
2021: collected $30 million in premium taxes for the State
Its recent decisions to modernize filings and guide residents on health coverage reflect its ongoing public service. The Wyoming Insurance Department plays a critical role in keeping Wyoming’s insurance system stable, lawful, and consumer focused.
The Wyoming Insurance Department regulates the state’s insurance industry under authority granted by Title 26 of the Wyoming Statutes. Its legal power allows the agency to enforce state insurance laws, oversee industry practices, and ensure market stability.
There are five core divisions under the Wyoming Insurance Department. These are:
The agency is led by Insurance Commissioner Jeffrey Rude, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Wyoming Senate. The commissioner directs oversight through these divisions as well.
The Wyoming Insurance Department has several responsibilities that it must carry out:
approves insurance company licenses: grants authority to do business in Wyoming
issues producer and adjuster licenses: oversees resident and nonresident licensees
reviews insurance policy filings: checks if forms follow Wyoming insurance law
examines insurer financial solvency: ensures companies can pay their claims
investigates consumer complaints: handles disputes and helps resolve coverage issues
carries out market conduct reviews: checks insurer practices for fairness and accuracy
collects premium tax revenue: deposits taxes into the state’s general fund
monitors surplus lines filings: regulates non-admitted insurance transactions
coordinates with national associations: aligns with NAIC and federal standards
guides ACA and Medicare outreach: provides public info on health plan options
The state works with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to set standards, share oversight, and improve industry practices. It also joins the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) to help regulate global insurers and support international best practices.
The Wyoming Insurance Department has been accredited by the NAIC every year since 1993. Commissioner Jeff Rude said the recognition reflects the strong work of financial examiners and builds trust with other states.
The Wyoming Insurance Department updated Chapter 35: Medicare Supplement Insurance in June 2025. The change added a “birthday rule”, giving people 63 days after their birthday to switch plans without underwriting. As of June 1, 2025, all license updates must be submitted online through Sircon.
The Wyoming Insurance Department's consumer outreach programs aim to simplify insurance decisions and improve protection across all coverage types. Here are just a few of the public-facing tools available:
file a complaint section: helps resolve insurance issues through the consumer affairs section
Medicare resources: includes enrollment guidance, birthday rule information, and plan comparison tools
insurance shoppers’ guides: offers step-by-step help for life, health, home, and auto insurance
disaster and claims tips: includes flood, fire, and post-catastrophe guides
contact assistance: phone and toll-free support available for all residents
These tools help the public better understand insurance rights, policy options, and claim processes. The DOI ensures Wyoming consumers stay informed, protected, and heard.
