Commissioner Glen Mulready Comments on the Passing of Sen. Tom Coburn
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 30, 2020
Commissioner Glen Mulready Comments on the Passing of Sen. Tom Coburn
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Posts by: Britney Han
Insurance Department to Issue Temporary New Licenses for Producers and Adjusters
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2020
Insurance Department to Issue Temporary New Licenses for Producers and Adjusters
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PL Bulletin No. 2020-02
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Temporary Producer and Apprentice Adjuster Licenses/Process
Special Notice to Oklahoma Insurance Professionals
Date: March 26, 2020
To: Oklahoma Insurance Companies and Licensed Insurance Professionals
From: Oklahoma Insurance Department- Licensing Division
RE: Temporary Producer and Apprentice Adjuster Licenses/Process
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID), led by Commissioner Glen Mulready, has made available temporary Producer and Apprentice Adjuster license due to the recent closure of PROMETRIC testing centers nationwide in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Currently, a new resident producer and new resident adjuster license is not available if you haven’t passed the testing examination. The Oklahoma Insurance Department is still working toward a remote option for license examinations. Both temporary licenses are in effect until 30 days after the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-07 expires.
Each application can be found at www.licensing.oid.ok.gov. The temporary application must be printed, completed, and mailed in with your check or money order for a $20.00 temporary license fee to Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 N.E. 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Please include the applicant’s last name on the memo portion of your check or money order. If an application is not completed within 30 days of submitting, the application will be withdrawn. Fees are nonrefundable. Submissions of a bulk request by Insurance Companies will take longer to process than individual submissions.
The OID will review each application, but submission does not mean that a license was approved or issued. You will be notified (by the contact email address entered on the application) when the application is approved or if the OID needs additional information.
As a courtesy, the OID will email you at the email address entered on the application to remind you that the temporary license will be expiring. Additional notices relating to the temporary license will be posted on the OID website and emailed to you as the current public health emergency is a fluid situation.
Licensees can still take CE classes online, view their transcripts online and renew electronically through the NIPR. You can view the official PROMETRIC statement on our website, www.licensing.oid.ok.gov.
The mission of the Oklahoma Insurance Department is to protect and enhance the financial security of Oklahoma and Oklahomans. Additional notification will be provided to all licensees as the current situation evolves. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize delays and hardships to our licensees and the industry while still providing the protection needed to Oklahoma Consumers.
Oklahoma Insurance Department
Licensing Division
400 NE 50th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
405.521.3916 phone
Insurance Commissioner Applauds Carrier for Modifying Automobile Coverage for Delivery Drivers
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Attorney General Hunter Issues Consumer Alert on At-Home Coronavirus Testing
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2020
Attorney General Hunter Issues Consumer Alert on At-Home Coronavirus Testing
FROM: Mike Hunter, Attorney General of Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today issued a consumer alert after receiving reports of individuals attempting to sell at-home tests for the Coronavirus.
Attorney General Hunter said Oklahomans need to be on high alert for scam artists trying to sell or administer home-testing kits for COVID-19.
“There are currently no credible test kits on the market for the Coronavirus that someone can administer in their home,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Additionally, no health care provider, or other individual credentialed to administer tests for the virus, will call and offer to test people at random. Oklahomans need to be on notice that this fraud is happening in our state, and it will likely become even more prevalent in the coming days. Never purchase these tests, and report the individuals trying to sell them to my office or a local law enforcement authority.”
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit has received over 130 complaints in relation to the Coronavirus since the national emergency was declared on March 13.
Testing for the Coronavirus in Oklahoma is only conducted in a verified laboratory. After a test is completed, the results are sent only to the ordering physician. Neither the results of a test, nor the status of pending tests will be given over the phone.
If Oklahomans believe they may have contracted COVID-19, they should stay home and follow these steps provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health:
- Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
- Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing);
- Wear a face mask when sick: Put on a face mask before you enter the facility if available. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed; and
- Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alex Gerszewski, Communications Director
Office: (405) 522-3116
Cell: (405) 250-9230
Email: alex.gerszewski@oag.ok.gov
Ashton Johnston, Press Secretary
Office: (405) 522-1863
Cell: (405) 534-0545
Email: ashton.johnston@oag.ok.gov
PC BULLETIN NO 2020-01–CORONAVIRUS
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CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
To: All Property and Casualty Insurers Licensed in Oklahoma
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: March 20, 2020
Re: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
The Governor of the State of Oklahoma has issued a Declaration of Emergency. That Executive Order 2020-07 was issued March 15, 2020.
All property and casualty carriers, other insurance industry representatives and other interested parties are encouraged to review the latest Oklahoma information about COVID-19 released by the Oklahoma Department of Health. (https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/).
The Department is issuing this bulletin to assist individuals and entities regulated by the Department in effectuating the provisions of insurance-related services during this urgent public health challenge.
The Oklahoma Insurance Department is asking all carriers providing coverage to Oklahoma residents to take the following immediate measures related to the potential impact of COVID-19.
All carriers should review their internal processes and continuity of operations, including ability to telecommute, to ensure that they are prepared to serve their members, including by providing insureds with information and timely access to all services. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, carriers should continually assess their readiness and make any necessary adjustments. This includes notifications to producers and brokers to keep consumers up to date. Access to accurate information and avoiding misinformation are critical. Therefore, carriers should inform insureds of available benefits specifically related to business interruption insurance, quickly respond to insured inquiries, and consider revisions needed to streamline responses and benefits for insureds. Carriers should make all necessary and useful information available on their websites and staff their helplines accordingly.
Property and casualty carriers should extend their applicable grace period for nonpayment of premium by an additional forty-five (45) days. This grace period extension does not relieve an insured of the obligation to pay premiums but merely is a deferral of the payment due date. The provisions of this bulletin are in effect until the state emergency is no longer in place.
Oklahoma Insurance Department
400 North East 50th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-18
Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to
Mike Rhoads or Ron Kreiter
mike.rhoads@oid.ok.gov
ron.kreiter@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.
Consumer Protection Bulletin Issued by Insurance Commissioner
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Special Notice
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Special Notice to Oklahoma Insurance Professionals
Date: March 20, 2020
To: All licensed Insurance Professionals
From: Oklahoma Insurance Department- Licensing Division
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, led by Commissioner Glen Mulready, has closed both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City office locations to the Public. The Licensing Division is currently utilizing our telecommute policy and maintaining daily operations regarding the review and processing of license request and changes. Our availability by phone may be limited at times while we prioritize applications, incoming emails and other request but we do have Division staff working every day to minimize the effects of the current public health situation.
At this time, the Governor has issued Amended Executive Order 2020-07 which orders:
“All occupational licenses issued by any agency, board, or commission of the State of Oklahoma that expire during this emergency shall be extended so long as this Order is in effect. All occupational licenses extended during this Order will expire fourteen (14) days following the withdrawal or termination of this Order.”
You can view that order by clicking here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1916.pdf
With advancements in technology and a move by the Department to all paperless procedures several years ago, this current situation will cause minimal internal setbacks to the renewal process of current licensees. Licensees can take CE classes online, view their transcripts online and renew electronically through the NIPR.
In order to assist Oklahoma licensees with completing their continuing education requirements , the Oklahoma Insurance Department is temporarily allowing Oklahoma Continuing Education Providers the ability to offer courses that are approved for the classroom course method as webinars until May 1, 2020. In order to qualify for this allowance, the CE Provider can e-mail Education@oid.ok.gov to request the form required for approval of this special allowance. If you are a licensee, please contact your Provider directly to discuss changes to any courses you may have scheduled in advance. You can view the current course catalog by clicking the following link:
https://www.oid.ok.gov/licensing-and-education/course-or-provider-lookup/
Prometric, Oklahoma’s Examination Provider, has advised they have suspended operations at all national testing centers, including all locations here in Oklahoma.
You can view their statement here: PROMETRIC or by reviewing our website www.licensing.oid.ok.gov
We understand the delays this will potentially create with employers. At this time alternate examination options are being considered. This situation is very fluid and alternate avenues are being discussed to determine the best approach to keep business moving during this time of wide-spread uncertainty. We are actively working with the NAIC, NIPR and other state regulatory departments to monitor this situation and implement changes to normal processes and procedures when deemed necessary.
The mission of the Oklahoma Insurance Department is to protect and enhance the financial security of Oklahoma and Oklahomans. Additional notification will be provided to all licensee’s as the situation evolves. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize delays and hardships to our licensees and the industry while still providing the protections needed to Oklahoma Consumers.
Oklahoma Insurance Department
Licensing Division
400 NE 50th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
405.521.3916
COVID-19 Information Update
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COVID-19 Information Update
The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is closed to the public until further notice. However, to ensure continued operation of essential functions, OID has authorized employees to telecommute during the current State of Emergency.
During this time, we are committed to:
• Timely processing all licenses and renewals;
• Flexibility in adherence to licensing regulations, where necessary;
• Providing waivers for live continuing education, when necessary;
• Keeping lines of communication open; and
• Addressing new concerns as they develop.
Timely Processing
The Oklahoma Real Estate Appraiser Board (Board) is actively working to ensure that all applications are processed timely. We understand that, with the current State of Emergency, not everything is functioning as usual. Even though OID is not open to the public, our employees are still actively processing applications either on site or via telecommuting. We are committed to timely processing all applications to ensure appraisers and appraisal management companies can work in Oklahoma during this time.
Adherence to Regulations
In addition to our continued commitment to process applications of all types in a timely manner, we understand that strict adherence to regulations concerning licensing during this time may not be possible. While we intend to follow to the requirements as closely as we can, we will take each matter on a caseby-case basis and do what we can to work around any problems that may be beyond an applicant’s control. We are actively working with the Appraisal Subcommittee to facilitate this process.
Accessibility of Continuing Education
One matter of concern regarding licensing and renewals is access to live continuing education during this State of Emergency. We do not want appraiser licenses to be held up due to any difficulties obtaining the required amount of live continuing education. Therefore, the Board will waive the requirement for live continuing education through the June 30, 2020, renewal period. We will re-visit the need for a continued waiver, should circumstances warrant.
Keeping Lines of Communication Open
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Please be aware that, because of our remote status, we may not be on site to answer the phone. While working remotely, we do have access to voicemails and will return calls as soon as possible. Our employees also have access to email, and this will temporarily be a quicker way to communicate with our office.
Other Concerns
If there are other concerns that arise during this time, we will do what we can to work around the issue and ensure that renewals and AMC registrations are not held up due to the current circumstances. As the situation continues to develop, we will keep you informed regarding any necessary changes.
Bulletin No. LH 2020-02
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CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19)
To: All Life & Health Insurance Companies and Health Maintenance Organizations
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: March 17, 2020
Re: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
The Governor of the State of Oklahoma has issued a Declaration of Emergency. That Executive Order 2020-07 was issued March 15, 2020. All health carriers, other insurance industry representatives and other interested parties are encouraged to review the latest Oklahoma information about COVID-19 released by the Oklahoma Department of Health. ( https://coronavirus. health.ok.gov/). The Department is issuing this bulletin to assist individuals and entities regulated by the Department in effectuating the provisions of insurance related services during this urgent public health challenge. The Oklahoma Department of Insurance is asking health carriers providing coverage through health benefit plans to Oklahoma residents to take the following immediate measures related to the potential impact of COVID-19.
• Health carriers should review their internal processes and continuity of operations,including ability to telecommute, to ensure that they are prepared to address COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma and serve their members, including by providing insureds with information and timely access to all medically necessary covered health care services. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, health carriers should continually assess their readiness and make any necessary adjustments. This includes notifications to producers and brokers to keep consumers up to date.
• Access to accurate information and avoiding misinformation are critical. Therefore, health carriers should inform insureds of available benefits specifically related to telemedicine, quickly respond to insured inquiries, and consider revisions needed to streamline responses and benefits for insureds. Health carriers should make all necessary and useful information available on their websites and staff their nurse-help lines accordingly.
• Health carriers should waive any cost-sharing for COVID-19 laboratory tests so that cost-sharing does not serve as a barrier to access to this important testing. In addition, health carriers should also waive the cost-sharing for an in-network provider office visit and an in-network urgent care center visit when testing for COVID-19.
• Given that COVID-19 is a communicable disease, some insureds may be using telehealth services instead of in-person health care services. Health carriers should review and ensure their telehealth programs with participating providers are robust and will be able to meet any increased demand. Additionally, health carriers should waive telehealth copayments for insureds and reimburse the provider for the copayment.
• Health carriers are asked to verify their provider networks are adequate to handle a potential increase in the need for health care services in the event COVID-19 cases are diagnosed in Oklahoma. If a health carrier does not have a health care provider in its network with the appropriate training and experience to meet the particular health care needs of an insured, health carriers are asked to make exceptions to provide access to an out-of-network provider at the in-network cost-sharing.
• Timely decision making is critically important to responding appropriately to COVID-19, and it is particularly important with respect to utilization review. Health carriers are reminded that utilization review decisions must be made in the timeframes required. Health carriers should not use preauthorization requirements as a barrier to access necessary treatment for COVID-19, and health carriers should be prepared to expedite utilization review and appeal processes for services related to COVID-19, when medically appropriate.
• Health carriers should, where appropriate, make expedited formulary exceptions if the insured is suffering from a health condition that may seriously jeopardize the insured’s health, life, or ability to regain maximum function or if the insured is undergoing a current course of treatment using a non-formulary prescription drug.
• Health carriers should identify and remove barriers to testing and treatment of COVID-19 and be prepared to address COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma. The Department extends its appreciation to health carriers in working with the State to address this public health challenge.
• Health carriers shall not cancel the coverage of any person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is unable to return to work or maintain coverage under their current health carrier because of COVID -19 for the next ninety (90) days. Health carriers should extend the traditional thirty (30) day grace period to a sixty (60) day grace period for nonpayment of premiums. Federal rules governing marketplace policies (ACA) will remain in effect with respect to grace periods.
PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER
• Pharmacists writing “COVID-19” or substantially similar language on a prescription shall be equivalent to receiving a signature. The goal is to reduce requirements for face-to-face interactions. Pharmacy benefit managers should immediately cease all audits while the Declaration of Emergency is in place. Additionally, a sixty (60) day supply may be provided for a thirty (30) day prescription for maintenance drugs with appropriate copays. This does not apply to controlled substances. Further, all restrictions on pharmacies doing mail order should be waived.
• Pharmacy benefit managers and allied health providers are subject to price gouging laws. The Department will continue to work with the Attorney General to enforce them. This Bulletin is intended to apply to all insured plans that are regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department, but it is strongly recommended that Oklahoma self-funded plans follow the same directives. The provisions of this bulletin are in effect until the emergency is no longer in effect.
Oklahoma Insurance Department
400 North East 50th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to Mike Rhoads or Ron Kreiter
mike.rhoads@oid.ok.gov
ron.kreiter@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.