Posts by: Wyatt Stanford

BULLETIN NO. 2025-03

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

BULLETIN NO. 2025-03

TO: All Health Insurance Companies, HMOs, and Other Interested Parties
RE: Participation in the OID/CMS Provider Directory Pilot Program
FROM: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
DATE: May 19, 2025

 

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new partnership in September 2024 to launch a first-of-its-kind provider directory pilot program for those participating in a Qualified Health Plan (QHP). The pilot will establish and implement an automated, one-stop shop, statewide centralized directory that allows QHPs and providers to submit and access pre-populated provider data to improve accuracy and reduce burden.

As part of its ongoing work to improve access to care, reduce clinician burden, and support interoperability throughout the health sector, CMS is partnering with the state of Oklahoma to help inform the design and feasibility of any future efforts toward a National Directory of Healthcare (NDH). The QHP Directory Pilot will ideally serve as proof-of-concept that a centralized directory for QHPs can serve as a single point of entry for providers to regularly update or confirm their directory information.

Over the past several months, CMS has worked closely with stakeholders in Oklahoma to gain valuable feedback from providers before the launch of user testing later this month. This testing phase will help CMS identify any bugs that need repair and ensure the final product functions as expected before the portal is opened to all available users in Oklahoma this summer.

With the issuance of this bulletin, the Oklahoma Department of Insurance (OID) is requiring all QHP issuers to participate in the pilot program. Federal and state guidelines require providers and facilities to update their information. The pilot program is separate and distinct from the provider directory requirements set forth in Section 6971 of Title 36 of Oklahoma Statutes and discussed in OID Bulletin No. 13-2023. Participation in this pilot program does not replace or modify any responsibilities QHPs may have to comply with Section 6971.

You can learn more about the pilot by reading the Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions. Please direct any questions or concerns to QHPDirectoryPilot@cms.hhs.gov.

2025 Special Notice Anti-Fraud Assessment Annual Fee

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

ANTI-FRAUD ASSESSMENT ANNUAL FEE

SPECIAL NOTICE

The Anti-Fraud Assessment Annual Fee of $750.00 is due by July 1, 2025. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) requires the fee to be paid electronically per Title 36 O.S. § 362 and Order No 16-0636-PRJ.

OPTins will be the website used to process electronic payments.

Paper Filings and Checks will no longer be accepted.

View Legal Order

OPTins Electronic filing instructions:

  • Register and/or login with OPTins at www.optins.org
    NOTE: Do not wait to register with OPTins, as the process can take up to two (2) weeks to complete.
  • Once registered, select the “Filings” tab, then “Create Filing,” enter the filing year, Select “Oklahoma Regulated Entities” as the recipient state for Anti-Fraud Assessment Annual Filing.
  • Once you have selected the appropriate filing type, download the available form(s), complete, and upload it along with all other required supporting documentation.
    NOTE    : Some of the Excel spreadsheets have multiple tabs. Please make sure all the tabs in the workbook are complete before uploading it back into OPTins.
  • Proceed to the payment screen and input the amount associated with the filing type in the payment field and submit your payment.
    NOTE: There is an electronic processing fee added by OPTins.

For questions specific to using this website, please contact OPTins Help Desk at (816)783-8990 or optinshelp@naic.org. All other questions will continue to be directed to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, Financial Division, Cindy Barnum at Cindy.Barnum@oid.ok.gov or 405-521-3966.

OKReady Announces New Zip Codes for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2025

OKReady Announces New Zip Codes for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

Program to Provide 250 Grants in Second Pilot Launch

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) announced nine zip codes for the second pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. Interested applicants who are eligible and live in one of these zip codes can apply online when the application portal opens at noon on Monday, May 5.

The zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The OID reviewed all zip codes in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) based on contractor and evaluator availability. The final selection looked at the top zip codes that had factors including paid loss ratios, more than 500 policies in force, average claim frequency, strong wind and hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“These zip codes represent communities that weren’t selected but targeted in our initial pilot project in Oklahoma City and areas in and around the Tulsa metro that convective storms have significantly impacted,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady. “As we conclude our first pilot project, our team looks forward to working with approved contractors and evaluators and helping consumers make their homes more resilient to future weather events in these new zip codes.”

The goal of each pilot period is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. The OID will launch several additional pilots through 2025 with the goal of providing a thousand grants by year-end.

Selected zip codes for the May 5, 2025, pilot launch include:

•  73078

•  73012

•  73034

•  73013

•  74106

•  74055

•  74010

•  74066

•  74017

 Piedmont

West Edmond

Edmond

NW OKC

North Tulsa

Owasso

Bristow

Sapulpa

Claremore/Foyil

The OID has continued its efforts in developing program processes, evaluating storm data, training grant coordinators and recruiting contractors and evaluators to participate in the new grant program.

OKReady will be allocating up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The grant funding will help consumers pay for the approved construction projects, which will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement.

Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

BULLETIN NO. 2025-02 (Oklahoma Market Assistance Program (OK-MAP) Annual Assessment)

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

BULLETIN NO. 2025-02

TO: All Property and Casualty Insurers Licensed In Oklahoma and All Rating and Advisory Organizations
RE: Oklahoma Market Assistance Program (OK-MAP) Annual Assessment
FROM: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
DATE: April 22, 2025

 

The Oklahoma Market Assistance Program (OK-MAP) Plan of Operation and the Oklahoma Insurance Code allow the program to collect an assessment from all “member” insurers in the State of Oklahoma. The assessment helps fund the program so that it may continue assisting Oklahoma consumers in finding homeowners’ insurance. The assessment is $150; all member insurers will receive an invoice for that amount during the first week of May 2025.

“Member” means all insurers licensed in the State of Oklahoma for BOTH property and casualty lines of business. See 36 O.S. § 6413.

36 O.S. § 6422 requires OK-MAP members to participate in all program assessments and writings. The statute also allows for the imposition of penalties against members who fail to pay the assessment, including revocation of an insurer’s certificate of authority and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

The assessment is due on September 1, 2025. Please remit payment to the following address:

Oklahoma Market Assistance Program
PO Box 13488
Oklahoma City, OK 73113

Please do not send payment to the Oklahoma Insurance Department.  Additional information regarding OK-MAP is available online at www.mapsprogram.com.

Questions applicable to this bulletin should be directed to Kali Skar, the Big I Oklahoma, at okmap@bigiok.com; Lien Skaggs, Rate and Form Division, at Lien.Skaggs@oid.ok.gov; or Bo Debose, Legal Division, at Bo.Debose@oid.ok.gov.

Ensure You’re Not Underinsured

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 16, 2025

Ensure You’re Not Underinsured

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

 

As someone who’s worked in the insurance industry in one way or another his entire career, nothing brings me more sadness than to see people who’ve experienced catastrophic loss. Loss of that magnitude is devastating, so I speak so much on preparing for it in case you ever experience it. In those tragic moments, one thing can compound the devastation, and it’s becoming talked about increasingly: being underinsured. Though it is prevalent, you can take action to ensure you’re not underinsured.

Underinsurance is not having enough insurance to repair or replace what is lost in a disaster, catastrophe, or other complete loss. Someone can be underinsured in several ways, like having insurance limits that are too low, coverage gaps because of policy exclusions, or lack of certain coverage types. According to United Policyholders, around two-thirds of U.S. homes are underinsured. Often, people don’t realize they’re underinsured until after a total loss when it’s too late.

The good news is that you don’t have to wonder if you’re underinsured. You can actively take steps to figure out if you are adequately insured. The biggest thing you can do is review your policies periodically because insurance is not something you should set and forget. Know exactly how much coverage you have, if you carry replacement cost or actual cash value, what your deductible is, and what your policy excludes. I know the insurance business has moved to digital spaces, so I recommend communicating regularly with your agent, who can lend their professional expertise to help you stay adequately insured and understand your policy.

Finally, if you discover you are underinsured, how do you move to being adequately insured? First, look at your insurance needs. This is beyond the market value of your home. You need to calculate how much it would cost to rebuild your home from scratch, factoring in the rising costs of materials and labor and the value of your possessions. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a handy smartphone application to help you inventory your property, or you can find a downloadable inventory list on the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) website. Get valuables like jewelry and antiques appraised. Once you have your figures and inventory, adjust your coverage.

Being underinsured can compound the devastation felt in the aftermath of catastrophic loss. You can take some easy steps to ensure you are not underinsured. If you have questions about your insurance coverage or need help filing a claim, contact OID at 800-522-0071 or oid.ok.gov. To find other preparedness resources to help you and your family before disaster strikes, visit oid.ok.gov/GetReady.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

Tips to Drive Down Auto Insurance Costs

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
March 31, 2025

Tips to Drive Down Auto Insurance Costs

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

I hear from many Oklahomans who are concerned about the rising costs of insurance, including auto insurance. Americans are facing this challenge nationwide. Many factors go into determining rates, and we may be unable to change some aspects, like inflation, insurance market conditions and disasters. Still, Oklahomans can save on auto insurance in several ways, for example, by driving safely and distraction-free – consider this your lighthearted reminder to put down your cell phone!

Let’s look at what’s happening and what you can do to lower your costs.

Auto rates are influenced by many factors, both on an industry-wide and an individual level. The increased number of natural disasters, the rising cost of repairs, higher inflation and interest rates, and more significant reinsurance costs go into these determinations. In Oklahoma, frequent and severe hail and windstorms are considerable risks, as is the number of uninsured motorists. In 2022, the Insurance Information Institute estimated that 11.8% of drivers in Oklahoma were uninsured. Still, you, the individual, can take steps to save.

Several different aspects impact your rate on a personal level. Insurers consider the type of vehicle you drive, your driving record, credit score, vehicle use, and where you live and garage your vehicle when determining the number. When you can present less financial risk, you’ll save more money.

Driving safely is one of the biggest and easiest ways to reduce costs. You cannot control how others drive, but you can control your driving. Obey traffic laws, avoid collisions, eliminate distractions (Put down your cell phone!), and maintain a clean driving record. Insurance companies offer lower premiums to drivers who demonstrate safe driving habits. Driving safely and responsibly reduces your risk and protects yourself and others.

Here are some additional ways you can save on insurance:

  • Shop around. Rates can vary significantly from insurer to insurer. Compare quotes to find affordable coverage that meets your needs. In Oklahoma, we have over 100 companies licensed to offer auto insurance.
  • Ask about discounts. Most insurers offer discounts for bundling, completing defensive driving courses, military service, and being a good student. Don’t be afraid to ask your insurer about these savings opportunities.
  • Ask your agent about telematics. Some insurers now offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits. Safe drivers can earn significant discounts this way. Insure U’s DriveCheck can help determine if usage-based insurance is right for you.
  • Raise your deductible. If you can afford a higher deductible, adjust your coverage to save.
  • Reduce coverage on older vehicles. If your car is worth less than 10 times your premium, consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage.

Rising auto insurance premiums pose challenges to Oklahomans. Some of the factors you cannot change, but there are some things you can do to save money. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is here to assist you in navigating auto insurance and understanding your coverage choices. Contact us at 800-522-0071 or oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

OKReady Expands First Pilot for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2025

OKReady Expands First Pilot for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has expanded their initial pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. The application process opened earlier this month, and the first testing period has been successful. Two new zip codes (73071, 73072) are being added to the eligible list in this first pilot for a total of ten eligible zip codes. Interested applicants who live in one of these zip codes can apply online immediately.

The zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The OID reviewed all zip codes in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) based on certified contractor and evaluator availability. The final selection looked at the top twenty-five zip codes with average paid loss ratios from 2018-2022 and zip codes that were in the 90th percentile of the national hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“We are very pleased with our first month of activity and excited to add these two zip codes to our initial pilot,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady. “Every zip code we have in this phase represents communities in and around Central Oklahoma that have been significantly impacted by convective storms.”

The goal of early pilot periods is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. The OID will launch several additional pilots through 2025 with the goal of providing a thousand grants by year-end.

Selected zip codes for the current pilot phase:

•  73049

•  73051

•  73065

•  73069

•  73071

•  73072

•  73111

•  73127

•  73129

•  73135

 Jones

Lexington/Slaughterville

Newcastle

Central Norman

East Norman – NEW

West Norman – NEW

East OKC

West OKC

Southeast OKC

Southeast OKC/I-240

Since January, the OID has been developing program processes, evaluating storm data, training grant coordinators and recruiting contractors and evaluators to participate in the new grant program.

OKReady will be allocating up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The funding will be allocated towards approved construction projects which will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED Certification.

Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

Commissioner Mulready Warns Oklahoma Faces Significant Health Insurance Premium Increases if Federal Subsidies Expire

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
March 19, 2025

Commissioner Mulready Warns Oklahoma Faces Significant Health Insurance Premium Increases if Federal Subsidies Expire

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) Commissioner Glen Mulready is alerting Oklahomans enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans that they could see substantial increases in health insurance premiums beginning in 2026 if federal enhanced Advanced Premium Tax Credits (eAPTCs) are not extended by December 31, 2025.

“A permanent extension of the $338 billion in enhanced federal health insurance subsidies is looking more unlikely,” said Commissioner Mulready. “While there might be other potential solutions considered by Congress this year, Oklahoma’s leaders and citizens need to be prepared for the consequences of these subsidies ending with significant changes in health insurance costs anticipated.”

Approximately 300,000 Oklahomans rely on ACA Marketplace plans for their health insurance coverage. The availability of eAPTCs, introduced under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), has led to a significant increase in enrollment between 2021 and 2024.

These subsidies have resulted in a 75% increase in ACA plan enrollment in Oklahoma. Many enrollees pay $0 monthly for coverage through the seven insurance carriers operating in the Oklahoma Marketplace. The average cost of a silver benchmark plan for an Oklahoma enrollee is $58 per month in 2025 with subsidies in place.

“We anticipate that the average cost of a benchmark silver plan in Oklahoma will increase by approximately 65%, jumping from $58 per month to $153 per month in 2026 if the subsidies expire as scheduled,” explained Commissioner Mulready.

This increase is expected to be similar nationwide. The potential premium surge could lead to a significant reduction in the number of insured individuals in the Oklahoma Marketplace, as consumers may choose to transition to Medicaid or become uninsured due to the higher costs.

The exodus of healthier individuals from the Marketplace could further exacerbate premium increases. Younger, healthier individuals are more likely to drop coverage due to affordability concerns. This would lead to an increase in the morbidity factors used by insurers, as well as a premium load for anti-selection, further driving up rates.

“Oklahomans and my fellow elected leaders must understand the potential impact of the expiration of these federal subsidies,” Commissioner Mulready emphasized. “While I am still hopeful Congress can come to a compromise that lessens the impact of the impending tax credit cutoff date, the Oklahoma Insurance Department remains committed to monitoring this situation and providing updates as they become available.”

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221

Oklahoma Insurance Department Shares Guidance After Fires, High Winds Impact State

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
March 18, 2025

Oklahoma Insurance Department Shares Guidance After Fires, High Winds Impact State

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is ready to assist Oklahomans affected by the fires and high winds that impacted the state on March 14.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected, and we commend the brave first responders who worked to contain the fires,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. “The Oklahoma Insurance Department is here to support you in your recovery. If you have questions about your insurance or need assistance with claims, please contact our Consumer Assistance Division.”

Anyone impacted by fire or wind damage can contact OID’s Consumer Assistance division at 800-522-0071 or by visiting oid.ok.gov. Commissioner Mulready also reminds Oklahomans to report damage at damage.ok.gov.

For those who’ve experienced significant loss:

  • Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Ask about your ALE (additional living expense) coverage. Your insurer should be able to quickly get you a check to help you get temporary living quarters and other necessities (clothes, food, etc.) in this early stage.
  • Ask your insurer what information is needed to process your claim. Provide that information, including your contact information, if you cannot live in your home.
  • Once safe to do so, take photos to document the damage. Your insurance company has a right to inspect the property, so clean-up will have to wait.
  • Keep track of your expenses and save all your receipts because your insurance company may reimburse you.

For those who’ve experienced minor damage:

  • If the damage is minimal, get repair estimates BEFORE filing a claim. Compare this figure with your deductible level. If it’s lower than or slightly higher, consider not filing a claim so it won’t appear on your insurance record.
  • When safe to do so, make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement with them on the cost of appropriate repairs. Move undamaged items to a safe location when necessary to avoid theft or additional loss.
  • Take numerous photos or videos of the damage, and don’t throw anything away.

Remember these tips when you’re dealing with contractors to avoid fraud:

  • Always get more than one bid.
  • Check references and phone numbers. Contractor complaint information is collected by the Better Business Bureau. You can contact the Construction Industries Board to make sure the contractor has a valid license to do business in the state and that they carry liability insurance.
  • Don’t pay upfront or make your final payment until the job is finished.
  • Avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible or promise a rebate (It’s against the law!).
  • Never sign a contract with blank spaces; always keep a copy for your records.

If you suspect contractor fraud, contact the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit at 833-681-1895.

You can find more information about preparing for storms and reviewing your insurance coverage at oid.ok.gov/GetReady.

OKReady Announces Zip Codes for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2025

OKReady Announces Zip Codes for Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Grant Program

Program to Provide 100 Grants in First Pilot Launch

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) announced eight zip codes for the initial pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. Interested applicants who are eligible and live in one of these zip codes can apply online when the application portal opens at noon on Monday, March 3.

The zip codes were selected using several criteria, including storm data, paid loss ratios and the number of active policies in the selected zip codes. The OID reviewed all zip codes in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) based on contractor and evaluator availability. The final selection looked at the top twenty-five zip codes with average paid loss ratios from 2018-2022 and zip codes that were in the 90th percentile of the national hail loss index scores as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“These zip codes represent communities in and around Central Oklahoma that have been significantly impacted by convective storms,” said Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and director of OKReady. “We believe this will be a great start for the first pilot, and our team looks forward to working with approved contractors and evaluators and helping consumers make their homes more resilient to future weather events.”

The goal of early pilot periods is to make sure staff can process full applications, address any technology issues and confirm that external partners can handle the grant demand in a new market. The OID will launch several additional pilots through 2025 with the goal of providing a thousand grants by year-end.

Selected zip codes for the March 3, 2025, pilot launch include:

•  73049

•  73051

•  73065

•  73069

•  73111

•  73127

•  73129

•  73135

 Jones

Lexington/Slaughterville

Newcastle

Norman

East OKC

West OKC

Southeast OKC

Southeast OKC/I-240

Since January, the OID has been developing program processes, evaluating storm data, training grant coordinators and recruiting contractors and evaluators to participate in the new grant program.

OKReady will be allocating up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in grant funds per approved household. The funding will be allocated towards approved construction projects which will fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS FORTIFIED Home – Roof™ – High Wind designation with the Hail Supplement. Grant funds will be paid to the contractor on behalf of the homeowner after receiving the IBHS FORTIFIED Certification.

Check out www.oid.ok.gov/OKReady for eligible zip codes, document requirements, income tiers, and other resources. If you have questions about the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program or application process, please email the team at okready@oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221