Posts by: Britney Han

COVID-19 FAQs

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Insurance Questions and Answers on COVID-19

General

Is the OID open?

Yes, the OID offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa are open to the public.  The OID is following local and federal CDC guidelines related to COVID-19.

I'm experiencing difficulties with my insurance carrier. What should I do?

Please contact our Consumer Assistance Team at 800-522-0071.

Health Insurance

Will my health plan cover testing?

Yes.  Health plans are required to cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing without cost-sharing, prior authorization or other medical management requirements.  Contact your insurance company and your primary care provider if you have questions about receiving a test.

I don't want to go into a doctor’s office. What other options will my health plan pay for?

Because of advances in tele-health medicine you have the option to have a virtual office visit with your physician.  You should contact the physician’s office to make arrangements for the visit just as you would for an in-office visit.  Tele-health visits may be subject to a co-pay or other cost sharing provision.  If you are seeking a COVID-19 diagnostic test contact your physician who will direct you to a point-of-care testing site. You can also contact your county health department for testing locations and requirements.

Prescription

Can I refill my prescriptions early to keep extra on hand?

Keeping extra medication on hand, for example a 90 day supply, is dependent upon your benefit plan.  In most cases, with the approval of your physician, a prescription for a 90 day supply can be written and will need to conform to network requirements (preferred or mail order).

Travel Insurance

Will travel insurance cover me if my plans change because of COVID-19?

Most standard travel insurance does not cover losses caused by an epidemic or pandemic. If you purchased the CFAR policy, you may be covered for a portion of your trip cost. Contact your cruise line, airline or tour provider to see if any refund is offered by them first.

Business and Insurance Industry

Business Interruption Insurance

To monitor the latest information on COVID-19:

Insurance Department Confirms Active Investigation of Unlicensed Home Warranty Company

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Insurance Department Confirms Active Investigation of Unlicensed Home Warranty Company

OKLAHOMA CITY – Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced today that the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is actively investigating the unlicensed activity of  Choice Home Warranty.

So far, the OID has received numerous consumer complaints alleging that Choice Home Warranty did not pay their home warranty service claims. OID issued a cease and desist order to the unlicensed company in 2017. OID’s current investigation revealed that Choice Home Warranty issued policies without the required license and in violation of the cease and desist order.

A New Jersey-based company, Choice Home Warranty has solicited customers nationwide from its website. OID is currently processing consumer complaints and sending letters to the company demanding refunds be issued to the contract holders.

“This violation will not be tolerated in Oklahoma,” said Mulready. “Our first priority is consumer protection, and this should serve as a reminder for all consumers to be diligent about researching the legitimacy of a business before they buy a contract or service.”

Consumers should call the OID first before buying a warranty service contract or insurance product to verify that a company is properly licensed in Oklahoma.

Service warranty companies are required to have an OID-issued license, to solicit, negotiate or sell home warranty service contracts in Oklahoma.

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

Will Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Get Ready for Spring Break: Will Travel Insurance Cover Coronavirus?

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready 

 

Spring Break is several days away, and whether your plans include a cruise ship, a beach, or a magical theme park, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance for your upcoming trip. Like most of you, I have been reading news about the coronavirus COVID-19 and the impact that it might have on the global community and the insurance industry. With the COVID-19 outbreak upending travelers’ plans, it is important to know what travel insurance covers.
.

Can’t decide if you need travel insurance? Here are some questions to help you decide.

 

  1. I’m afraid to travel due to COVID-19 and want to cancel my trip. Am I covered?

    Trip cancellation for concern or fear of travel associated with an epidemic or pandemic is usually not covered. However, more expensive policies such as Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage may be able to refund a portion of your insured pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost. Note that with CFAR coverage, the insurance policy must be purchased within a set amount of days and notified at least 48 hours prior to scheduled departure.

  2. Will travel insurance cover me if I get sick on a cruise ship?

    Most travel insurance policies will protect travelers who become sick while traveling if the policy includes medical coverage. Also, check with your health plan to see if it would cover medical expenses if you get sick or hurt on your trip. This is especially important if you’re traveling abroad because most health plans, including Medicare, won’t cover treatment in another country.

  3. What if my cruise line or airline cancels a trip due to COVID-19?

    Most standard travel insurance does not cover losses caused by an epidemic or pandemic. If you purchased the CFAR policy, you may be covered for a portion of your trip cost. Contact your cruise line, airline or tour provider to see if any refund is offered by them first.

Travel insurance plans cost between 4%-10% of your trip expenses. I encourage travelers to determine their actual risk, understand what they are trying to cover and then find a policy that accomplishes that. If you decide travel insurance is a good option for your trip, make sure you know exactly what the plan covers before buying.

To monitor the latest information on COVID-19:

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

Oklahoma Insurance Department Celebrates New Facility with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 5, 2020

Oklahoma Insurance Department Celebrates New Facility with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

OKLAHOMA CITY – On March 3, 2020, state and local officials joined Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s (OID) new building located at 400 NE 50th Street in Oklahoma City.

The 32,500 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is the first standalone State Insurance Department building in Oklahoma history. The entire building construction process took approximately two years from design to occupancy with the grand opening held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

The building project was made possible by House Bill 2308 (2018) allowing OID to lease the land from the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) while owning the building. Through lease payments to the CLO, $3.7 million will go to public education over a 55-year lease. The OID is a non-appropriated state agency, thus all construction costs will have no impact on the general revenue fund.

“This great new facility will better allow us to meet the needs of the Oklahoma consumers, the insurance industry and our staff,” Mulready said.

Governor Kevin Stitt and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready cut the ribbon together to celebrate the official opening of the OID’s new facility located at 400 NE 50th Street.

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

FB No. 2020-01

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Sales and Solicitation on behalf of captive business and OAC 365 :25-15-8

To: All Oklahoma Licensed Captive Insurance Companies
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: February 25, 2020
Re: Sales and Solicitation on behalf of captive business and OAC 365 :25-15-8

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify the compliance requirements that must be met & maintained in order to sell or solicit on behalf of a Captive Insurance Company licensed in Oklahoma as filed under OAC 365:25-15-8, which states the following:

365:25-15-8 No person shall in or from within this State, act as an insurance manager, broker, producer, salesman, or reinsurance intermediary for captive business without the authorization of the Insurance Commissioner. Application for such authorization must be on a form prescribed by the Insurance Commissioner.

The Department interprets the above provision of the Oklahoma Captive Insurance Companies Regulation to require any person(s) selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance, on behalf of an Oklahoma licensed captive insurance company, must first comply with the requirements of the Oklahoma Producer Licensing Act.

Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be direct to Donald Ashwood (donald.ashwood@oid.ok.gov), Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 NE 50th Street, OKC, OK 73105.

Bulletin No. LH 2020-01

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Extension of “Non-Enforcement” (Transitional) Policies through Calendar Year 2021

To: All Health Insurance Companies and Health Maintenance Organizations
Re: Extension of “Non-Enforcement” (Transitional) Policies through Calendar Year 2021
From: Oklahoma Insurance Department
Date: February 25, 2020

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform all Oklahoma licensed health insurance carriers of the requirements of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) as they relate to the bulletin released by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) on January 31, 2020 regarding the Extension of Limited Non-Enforcement Policy through 2021.

Under previous guidance CMS announced that, with permission by State Regulators, health insurance issuers could choose to continue certain coverages that would otherwise be cancelled under the Public Health Service Act and would not be out of compliance with market reforms if specific conditions were met. With guidance issued in its January 31, 2020, announcement CMS has extended the policy again, to policy years beginning on or before October 1, 2021, provided that all such coverage comes into compliance with the specified requirements by January 1, 2022. Based on this most recent CMS announcement the Department advises carriers that existing transition policies may be renewed for policy years beginning on or before October 1, 2021, provided that all transition policies end by January 1, 2022.

In an effort to minimize market disruption, issuers will again be given the discretion to renew existing extended transition policies in the individual and small group markets with a 12-month policy duration or sho1ter than 12-month duration provided that all affected policies terminate in compliance with the January 1, 2022 deadline. Renewal actions will be consistent with and conform to Oklahoma law governing insurance renewals.

Health insurance issuers that renew under the extended transitional policy must provide the required notice to affected individuals and small businesses as specified in the CMS January 31, 2020 guidance.

Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to
Mike Rhoads (mike.rhoads@oid.ok.gov) or
Gordon Amini ( gordon.amini@oid.ok.gov )

Oklahoma Insurance Department
400 North East 50th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105- 1816.

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.  

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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