Posts by: Britney Han

Oklahoma Insurance Department’s New Location

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 3, 2020

Oklahoma Insurance Department’s New Location

OKLAHOMA CITY –Effective February 10, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID)’s Oklahoma City Office will be relocated to our new facility: 

 

Oklahoma Insurance Department
400 NE 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 

 

As part of the moving process, email and network access will be limited from Wednesday, February 5 through Friday, February 7, 2020. The Oklahoma Insurance Department will resume normal operations on Monday, February 10, 2020 on its regular schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For immediate assistance during this time, you may call Communications Director Liz Heigle at 405-522-0683. 

 

We thank you for your patience and cooperation during these few days as we transition to a more efficient and effective office environment. 

 

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

 

For more information, contact:
Liz Heigle
405-819-2221
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov

Insurance Department Donates Shotguns to Help Underfunded Law Enforcement Agencies

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 30, 2020

Insurance Department Donates Shotguns to Help Underfunded Law Enforcement Agencies

Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready today donated a Remington 870 Shotgun to the Coweta Police Department Chief Mike Bell at the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID)’s Oklahoma City office.

“It is much appreciated more than you know,” Bell said. “As a small agency, we can’t afford equipment like this. It will greatly enhance our services.”

For the last few months, the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Anti-Fraud Unit has worked with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to transfer the shotguns d to other law enforcement agencies in need. These shotguns were ordered by the previous administration for newly hired investigators to attend the police academy. Once those certifications were completed, the Unit no longer needed them.

“We only intend to hire experienced, pre-certified officers from this point on, so we are donating the firearms to other law enforcement agencies in need,” Anti-Fraud Chief Investigator Rick Wagnon said. “Instead of sending these shotguns to State Surplus to be auctioned off to the public, we wanted to get these directly transferred to underfunded law enforcement agencies.”

Once OMES approved the transfer, Wagnon contacted the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police and the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association for a list of underfunded agencies that each association could recommend. From that list, Commissioner Mulready drew the winners randomly and contacted each agency to schedule a shotgun handoff.

Wagnon said they carefully selected small, underfunded agencies that could get the most benefit from this donation. He also said the most of these agencies do not have shotguns and are excited to receive them.

“The goal of this firearm donation is to enable underfunded law enforcement agencies to acquire firearms at no cost in support of their mission,” Mulready said. “We are grateful for our law enforcement agencies and their service to our citizens.”

Mulready said that the department will donate a total of 7 shotguns to the following agencies:

Ser#  Name 
RS92196G  Sheriff Larry Lane, Sequoyah County SO 
RS92213G  Chief Bob Ernst, Perkins PD 
RS92238G  Sheriff Marty Grisham, Love County SO 
RS92242G  Chief Mike Bell, Coweta PD 
RS92246G  Chief John O’mara, Kiefer PD 
RS92250G  Sheriff Joe Janz, Kiowa County SO 
RS99172G  Sheriff Tim Turner, Haskell County SO 

DONATED ITEM(S): Remington 870 Shotguns (Police Magnum), 18″ Barrel, Parkerized Finish, Ghost Rings Sites, Collapsible/Pistol stock, Forearm Flashlight, and Rapid Assault Tactics (RAT) Nylon Carry Case.

 

If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

For more information, contact:
Liz Heigle
405-819-2221
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov

Anti-Fraud Chief Investigator Rick Wagnon (left), Coweta Police Department Chief Mike Bell and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready (right) on Thursday in Oklahoma City, OK.

Anti-Fraud Chief Investigator Rick Wagnon (left), Coweta Police Department Chief Mike Bell and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready (right) on Thursday in Oklahoma City, OK

Insurance Commissioner Mulready Announces New Chief of Staff

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 29, 2020

Insurance Commissioner Mulready Announces New Chief of Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY –Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready has named Brian Downs to serve as Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). A native Oklahoman, Downs currently serves as the State Health Information Exchange Director and Special Assistant to the Governor’s Front Porch Initiative.

 

“Brian’s leadership experience, professionalism and his tireless commitment to Oklahoma citizens make him a perfect fit for this position,” Mulready said. “He has built a level of trust and respect with state and national leaders on both sides of the aisle. I am confident that his leadership will maintain the positive momentum as we continue to move forward with our team’s vision of becoming a Top 10 insurance department.”

 

Downs previously served as Chief of Staff for Speaker Jeff Hickman in the Oklahoma House Representatives and Chief of Staff and Director of State and Federal Policy at the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

 

“Commissioner Mulready continually challenges the Department staff to strive for their best as they serve the public. He’s not afraid of changes and he’s dedicated to making OID a Top 10 insurance department. Following his example, I will champion Commissioner Mulready’s vision and do my best to serve Oklahomans in this role,” Downs said.

 

Downs will begin his new role on January 30th, 2020.

 

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

 

For more information, contact:
Liz Heigle
405-819-2221
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov

First Year in Office: One Step Closer to Top 10

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 27, 2020

First Year in Office: One Step Closer to Top 10

OKLAHOMA CITY –In January 2019, Glen Mulready became the state’s 13th insurance commissioner. With Commissioner Mulready’s vision to become a Top 10 insurance department, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) began a top-to-bottom review and accomplished great results in 2019. 

During his first year, Mulready and his team have tirelessly worked to improve OID’s services by adapting best practices, modernizing its systems and practicing clear communication. He implemented the rebranding of OID, identified more cost savings, launched the new website, moved to electronic filing systems, upgraded the facility, became an Insurance Business Transfer (IBT) global leader and launched the “Mulready Says Get Ready” campaign. 

“Our goal is simple: we should work for the people,” Mulready said. “Everything we do is to protect consumers and ensure a fair, competitive marketplace. Our efforts have helped us reduce paper processes, process licenses quicker and resolve consumer complaints faster. And more changes are ahead because I believe well-run organizations always evolve. We can always work better.” 

Mulready said making changes is difficult, but it is essential to keep up with the industry they regulate that continues to develop and utilize innovative technology. He also said the department is learning the most modern tools to maximize their abilities and resources. In his view, having a team that understands the importance of going above and beyond is of the utmost. 

“We’ve made great progress, and I’m so proud of what our team has accomplished,” he said. “We’re focused on training our staff to have the most modern skill sets and creating a culture that is based on our five core values: being competent, trustworthy, client-focused, positive and a team player. Our team is willing to go the extra mile, and that’s how we transformed OID. That’s why we’re one step closer to a Top 10 insurance department.”  

One of his priorities for 2020 is visiting rural parts of Oklahoma and meeting with citizens through “Coffee with the Commissioner.” He’s made it clear he intends to keep making changes to improve OID and says he’d like to maintain this momentum as he heads into his second year. 

Some of his accomplishments include: 

  • Total cost savings: $329,485 
  • Completion of the new building that will save $15 million over the next 20 years 
  • Investing in workforce development 
  • Using clear and simple language and formats that are easy to read and understand 
  • Providing Oklahomans with more insurance options 
  • Improving the insurance business climate through a free-market approach 
  • Passing the first IBT transaction approved by an insurance commissioner in the country and awaiting the court approval 
  • Launching the new website with a simpler design that works better on mobile devices 

To learn more about his efforts, read the OID’s 2019 Annual Report. 

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit their website at www.oid.ok.gov.  

###

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

 

For more information, contact:
Liz Heigle
405-819-2221
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov

New Year, New You! How OID and Health Plans Could Help

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

New Year, New You! How OID and Health Plans Could Help

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready 

 

Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? If your goal is to get in shape or quit smoking, you might be able to get some help from your health plan and the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID).

OID is partnering with healthcare organizations across the state to raise awareness on the benefits of quitting smoking and the free resources available to those who want to quit. Join us for Quit Week in Oklahoma, January 15 – January 22, to encourage and remind people that it is OK to Quit and it is OK to ask for help. Check out our OK to Quit campaign for more information.

Here are three New Year’s resolutions your health plan could help with:

  1.  To lose weight According to a report from the Trust for America’s Health, Oklahoma has one of the nation’s highest obesity rates. The report also showed that Oklahomans ranked the lowest out of people that eat their recommended amounts of fruits and veggies. Most health plans offer a free or discounted weight loss or wellness program. Check your health plan’s website to see what’s available.
  2.  To quit smoking Oklahoma is 36th in the United States for smoking. More than 580,000 Oklahoma adults smoke. Most plans offer free tobacco cessation programs or discounts on products that help you quit. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about smoking cessation treatment options. You can also join our OK to Quit.
    Bonus: some health plans will lower your rates if you quit.
  3.  To exercise regularly Check to see if your health plan offers discounts on gym memberships or fitness equipment. Most health plans have free apps that help you track your workouts, count your steps, or manage your eating habits. If you track a habit, you’re a lot more likely to change it. Do you have a wearable fitness tracker? It can help you save on health insurance. Contact your agent to see if you are qualified.

For more insurance information, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department 

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state. 

For more information, contact:

Liz Heigle 405-522-0683 Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov

Inspector General Warns Public About New Twist to Social Security Phone Scans

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FRAUD ADVISORY
Inspector General Warns Public About New Twist to Social Security Phone Scans

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2020
https://oig.ssa.gov

From the Office of the Inspector General Social Security Administration

The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public that telephone scammers may send faked documents by email to convince victims to comply with their demands. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of victims who received emails with attached letters and reports that appeared to be from Social Security or Social Security OIG. The letters may use official letterhead and government “jargon” to convince victims they are legitimate; they may also contain misspellings and grammar mistakes.

This is the latest variation on Social Security phone scams, which continue to be widespread throughout the United States. Using robocalls or live callers, fraudsters pretend to be government employees and claim there is identity theft or another problem with one’s Social Security number, account, or benefits. They may threaten arrest or other legal action, or may offer to increase benefits, protect assets, or resolve identity theft. They often demand payment via retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency such as Bitcoin, or pre-paid debit card.

Inspector General Ennis urges continued vigilance against all types of phone scams no matter what “proof” callers may offer. As we continue to increase public awareness of phone scams, criminals will come up with new ways to convince people of their legitimacy. Social Security will never:

  • threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee;
  • promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment;
  • require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card; or
  • send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If there is ever a problem with your Social Security number or record, in most cases Social Security will mail you a letter. If you do need to submit payments to Social Security, the agency will send a letter with instructions and payment options. You should never pay a government fee or fine using retail gift cards, cash, internet currency, wire transfers, or pre-paid debit cards. The scammers ask for payment this way because it is very difficult to trace and recover.

If you receive a call or email that you believe to be suspicious, about a problem with your Social Security number or account, hang up or do not respond. We encourage the public to report Social Security phone scams using our dedicated online form, at https://oig.ssa.gov. Please share this information with your friends and family, to help spread awareness about phone scams.

For more information, please visit https://oig.ssa.gov/scam. Members of the press may make inquiries to
Social Security OIG at (410) 965-2671.

PL Bulletin No 2020-01

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Appointments and 36 O.S. § 1435.15

To: All Insurance Companies All Licensed Insurance Producers
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: January 8, 2020
Re: Appointments and 36 O.S. § 1435.15

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify when an appointment is required to be filed under 36 O.S. § 1435.15(B), which states the following: B. To appoint a producer as its agent, the appointing insurer, or an authorized representative of the insurer, shall file in a format approved by the Insurance Commissioner, a notice of appointment within fifteen (15) days from the date the agent contract is executed. The Department interprets the above provision of the Oklahoma Insurance Code to require an appointment to be filed when the producer is to be appointed “as its agent.” The meaning of agent here does not mean an insurance producer as defined under the Oklahoma Insurance Code but refers to the principal/agent relationship as provided for under agency law. As noted by the NAIC in drafting this model law, “the…contract should specify the type of relationship that is intended.” In this case, the difference between an “agent” and a “producer” is that the “producer” is only authorized to solicit and submit underwriting information. On the other hand, an agent is a producer, that in addition to soliciting applications, has received a contractual transfer of authority from the insurer to exercise some right belonging to the appointing insurer.

Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to the Licensing Division (licensing@oid.ok.gov), Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

BULLETIN NO. LH 2019-04

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

BULLETIN NO. LH 2019-04

To: All Life & Health Insurance Companies

From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner

Date: November 25, 2019

Re: Oklahoma Statutes Title 36 Section 4103

As required in Oklahoma Statutes Title 36 Section 4103, premium rates for group life policies must be filed with the Oklahoma Insurance Department prior to any group life insurance being delivered in this state. It has been brought to our attention that this existing requirement has not been followed by all companies selling group life insurance in Oklahoma. Therefore, beginning November 25, 2019, all initial and subsequent premium rates and supplementary rate information must be filed with the Oklahoma Insurance Department for all group life policies and certificates. Any previously filed policies in which rates were not included must be supplemented with a rate filing.

Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to Andy Schallhorn, Deputy Commissioner of Financial Regulation and Chief Actuary, at andrew.schallhorn@oid.ok.gov

The Oklahoma Insurance Department encourages readers of this notice to periodically check the Department’s web site https://www.oid.ok.gov/ for news and updates to Bulletins and other relevant material.

NFPA Warns of Deep-Frying Turkey Dangers

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
November 22, 2019

NFPA Warns of Deep-Frying Turkey Dangers

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

 

Thanksgiving is almost here and by now many of you are either thawing your turkey or packing the car for a family trip. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are three times as many home cooking fires on Thanksgiving than any other day. In 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day.

Some Oklahomans may be considering deep–frying the holiday bird, but that method can present some serious dangers. NFPA says deep fryer fires result in more than $15 million in property damage every year. While your homeowners’ policy will cover losses related to a home fire, preventing a fire is much simpler than having to file a claim.

If you decide to use a turkey fryer, be sure to remember these safety tips from NFPA. 

  1. Preparation is Key
    Make sure your bird is completely thawed and dry. Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire. Make sure to slowly lower the turkey into the pot to prevent oil from splashing.
  2. Stay Away from The House
    Make sure to use the fryer outdoors. Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never walk away while cooking your bird.  Unattended cooking was the leading contributing factor in cooking-related fires and deaths.

  3. Handle with Care
    Use caution when touching the turkey fryer as the lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also, be sure to keep track of the oil’s temperature, as many fryers do not have their own thermostats.
  4. Be Prepared
    Have a multipurpose, dry-powdered fire extinguisher ready always, in case the oil ignites. Oil and water don’t mix. NEVER use water to cool down oil or extinguish a grease fire. In case of a fire, immediately call 911 for help.
     

NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers. I understand they taste great, but perhaps you should consider getting a deep–fried turkey from a grocery store, food retailer, or restaurant just to be safe.  Also, I encourage you to download the Thanksgiving Safety Tip Sheet and Cooking Safety Tip Sheet. Keep these tips handy for added peace of mind.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

Oklahoma leads the country on Insurance Business Transfers

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 18, 2019

Oklahoma Leads the Country on Insurance Business Transfers

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – An international forum of insurance experts explained a new law that is expected to bring an economic boost to Oklahoma. The second Insurance Business Transfer (IBT) Forum was hosted by the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) in Tulsa on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. OID invited industry experts to explain how the law works, discuss the opportunities it can bring to the state, and promote how OID can help companies manage the IBT process.

“Oklahoma is leading the country on this innovative, new process,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Oklahoma’s IBT law is the most expansive in the country, and I believe a conference like this will help make Oklahoma the hub for IBTs in the United States.”

Oklahoma’s IBT law became effective in November 2018 and Oklahoma became the first U.S. state to embrace IBTs under a structure that closely mimics “Part VII” transfers authorized under the UK Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000. IBTs create considerable flexibility and financial security for companies, help eliminate uncertainty, reduce administrative expenses, and simplify regulation. More importantly, an IBT can connect policyholders with a company that better understands their policy and the coverage it provides. The state’s IBT legislation applies to life, health, property and casualty liabilities, and is open to both run-off and active books of business.

“Oklahoma’s IBT law places us front and center in the global insurance marketplace,” OID’s First Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff Buddy Combs said. “I am proud of the work we do to ensure an efficient and transparent approval process. This will set precedent for other states and make our state the leader in insurance business transfers in the United States.” Combs also mentioned he has already received positive feedback from attendees.

“The IBT forum brought together many of the foremost experts on the IBT statutes and implications for the industry, policyholders, and regulators.” Kelly Superczynski, Head of Aon Reinsurance Solutions’ Capital Advisory team, said. “It was another great opportunity to educate stakeholders on the benefits of IBTs and discuss how this tool has been successfully utilized repeatedly in many jurisdictions around the world.”

“Last year’s IBT Forum was good, but this year was even better,” Keith Kaplan, Vice President of ProTucket Insurance Company, said. “I was honored to be included among the distinguished list of speakers. Having Rhode Island Department officials as panelists demonstrated the OID’s genuine interest in showcasing the latest information, thinking, and solutions to trending issues in the IBT space.” Rhode Island was among the first states to introduce comprehensive IBT legislation.

Although Oklahoma was not the first state to pass IBT legislation, Department officials expect Commissioner Mulready to be the first commissioner in the country to approve an IBT to proceed to district court. That approval could come as early as this week.

To see a list of the speakers from the event and their credentials, click here.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

 

For more information, contact:
Liz Heigle
405-819-2221
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov