Category: covid-19

Letter to Oklahomans: We’re All in This Together

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For Immediate Release: 

April 14, 2020
 

Letter to Oklahomans:
We’re All in This Together 

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready 

 

Very few Oklahomans, if any, have faced a pandemic like COVID-19 in their lifetime. This pandemic has changed our daily routines in an instant and has created new normal for many of us. Our kids’ schools are closed for the remainder of the school year and have transitioned to distance learning. My wife is leading her Bible Study online. Many of us are video calling with family and friends from down the street to across the country. My team of dedicated state employees are working tirelessly, away from the office to do what is best for Oklahoma. Were all getting adjusted to this new normal.  

Even though this unprecedented situation presents unique challenges to the insurance industry and all our workplaces, assure you that the Oklahoma Insurance Department will continue to perform all essential services, answer your questions and work through issues as they develop. The work we’ve done during my first year in office to modernize workflows and reduce paper processes has been a tremendous help in this transition.  

We’re working with several state agencies and the insurance industry to help our state combat COVID-19 and minimize potential regulatory burdens as insurers continue to serve policyholders. All bulletins and notices to insurers are posted at oid.ok.gov. Here are some of the actions we’ve taken over the past several weeks: 

  • Create COVID-19 Insurance Information Page on the OID website. 
  • Direct health insurers to waive all cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing. 
  • Direct health insurers to waive all copays for telehealth services and reimburse the providers for the copay. 
  • Direct health insurers to not use preauthorization requirements as a barrier to access necessary treatment for COVID-19. 
  • Extend the normal 30-day grace period for non-payment of premiums to 60 days for life and health insurance. 
  • Extend the normal 30-day grace period for non-payment of premiums to 45 days for property and casualty insurance. 
  • Immediately cease all Pharmacy Benefit Manager audits of pharmacies. 
  • Waived customer signature requirement for both pick-up and delivery of prescriptions during emergency. 
  • Directed pharmacy benefit managers to not restrict a covered person’s ability to select any pharmacy that is in the Administrator’s pharmacy provider network, regardless of whether the network is a preferred provider network. 
  • 60-day supply may be filled for a 30-day prescription. 
  • Implemented new temporary licensing process. 
  • Extend the license renewal and continuing education deadlines for licensees. 
  • Direct property and casualty insurers to suspend all claims reporting deadlines for the duration of the emergency declaration and extend all policyholder rights or benefits related to deadlines until 90 days after the state of emergency ends. 
  • Asked medical professional liability insurers to relax state licensure requirements for out-of-state healthcare professionals. 

One thing that we can learn from this experience is the need to work together and do our part as Oklahomans. We hear a lot about the Oklahoma Standard, but now we need it more than ever. People across our state are finding creative ways to help each other, take care of our neighbors and support those who have both lost jobs and serving the front lines as a healthcare professional. Together, we will carry on the Oklahoma Standard and “GET READY” for what comes next.  

The Oklahoma Insurance Department will continue to monitor developments that impact consumers and act as needed to ensure we can provide services and care to the people of Oklahoma. We’ll update you frequently as new information becomes available and make that information available on the COVID-19 page on our website. Stay safe and healthy. Please let us know how we can help. 

Sincerely, 

Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready 

 

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 including testing numbers, prevention and additional resources, please visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s website. Call the COVID-19 24/7 call center at 877-215-8336 if you need help.

Special Notice

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Flexibility During COVID-19 Event


Special Notice to Oklahoma Professional and Multicounty Agent Bondsmen
Date: April 9, 2020
To: Oklahoma Professional and Multi-County Agent Bondsmen
From: Oklahoma Insurance Department-Bailbond Division


The Governor of the State of Oklahoma issued a Declaration of Emergency. That Executive Order 2020-07 was issued March 15, 2020. Further, on April 8, 2020, the Governor issued a Declaration of Emergency pursuant to 63 O.S. §§ 6101-6900, specifically 63 O.S. § 6401.

The Department is issuing this special notice to assist professional and multicounty agent bondsmen regulated by the Department in effectuating the duties of the professional and multicounty agent bondsmen during this urgent public health challenge.

The Department understands that this public health challenge is a fluid event. Therefore, during the Declaration of Emergency, the Department will remain flexible in enforcement as the needs of the bail industry continues to change. The Department is providing the professional and multicounty agent bondsmen with a form to request a deposit adjustment during this time. The form can be found at https://www.oid.ok.gov/regulated-entities/bail-bonds/. Please submit the form and any supporting documentation to lewis.garrison@oid.ok.gov for consideration. The OID will review each request as a case-by-case scenario, but submission does not mean the request is approved. You will be notified by OID when the request is approved, denied, or if the OID needs additional information.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize delays and hardships to the industry while still providing necessary protection to Oklahoma consumers.

Questions applicable to this special notice should be directed to Lewis Garrison (lewis.garrison@oid.ok.gov), Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-1816.

Financial Bulletin NO. 2020-02 

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Complying with Regulatory Requirements during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency 


To: All Insurance Companies  
From: Andy Schallhorn, Deputy Commissioner of Financial Regulation and Chief Actuary
Date: April 8, 2020
Subject: Complying with Regulatory Requirements during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency 


Purpose 

The purpose of this bulletin is for the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) to advise all insurance companies regarding compliance with regulatory requirements during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This flexibility is being provided in part to recognize that we and other states anticipate using additional targeted information requests to gather more specific information and your prompt attention to those matters is appreciated.   

Regulatory Filing Deadlines 

At this time, companies are still required to make all required electronic filings with the NAIC (e.g., quarterly financial statements, audited financial statements), or for those that are not filed with the NAIC but to the analyst assigned to your company. However, the OID is willing to allow insurers an additional 30 days to complete most of the following filings (60 days for some). The OID must receive a request for late filing from your company, and reserves the right to reject any such individual company requests based upon the financial condition and unique circumstances of that company deemed applicable to that company. If your company believes that it will not be able to meet any of the following financial filing deadlines required by law or by order, please contact your Oklahoma Financial Analyst or the OID (HCAfilings@oid.ok.govto request an extension of the filing deadline. 

Filings with a Potential 30-day Delay 

  • May 1, 2020 Combined Annual Statement Filing (Property)   
  • May 1, 2020 Combined Insurance Expense Exhibit (Property)  
  • June 1, 2020 Accountant’s Letter of Qualifications (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health, Title)  
  • August 15, 2020 PBR Exemption filing due to state 7/1 and to NAIC 8/15 (Life/Fraternal) 

Filings with a Potential 60-day Delay 

  • June 1, 2020 Audited Financial Report (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health, Title)  
  • August 1, 2020 Communication of Internal Control Related Matters Noted in Audit (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health, Title 
  • June 1, 2020 Corporate Governance Annual Disclosure 
  • October 31, 2020 Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) Summary Report 
  • May 1, 2020 Form B Registration Statement & Related Form C 
  • May 1, 2020 Risk Assessment Report (Form F) 

The filing deadlines for the components of the 2019 annual filings that, if applicable, should be submitted only to an insurer’s state of domicile are as follows. 

  • April 30, 2020 Actuarial Memorandum Required by Actuarial Guideline XXXVIII 8D (Life/Fraternal)  
  • August 1, 2020 Management’s Report of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health, Title) 

Filings with a Potential 30-day Delay 

The NAIC filing deadlines and requirements for the 2020 quarterly electronic filings are as follows, all Due May 15, 2020: 

  • Quarterly Statement Filing as of March 31, 2020 (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health, Title)  
  • Trusteed Surplus Statement – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Property, Life/Fraternal)  
  • Supplement A to Schedule T (Medical Professional Liability Supplement) – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Property) 
  • Medicare Part D Coverage Supplement – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health)  
  • Merger/history quarterly form, if applicable (Property, Life/Fraternal, Health, Title) (electronic txt file only)  
  • Reasonableness of Assumptions Certification Required by Actuarial Guideline XXXV – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Life/Fraternal) 
  • Reasonableness and Consistency of Assumptions Certification Required by Actuarial Guideline XXXV – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Life/Fraternal)  
  • Reasonableness of Assumptions Certification for Implied Guaranteed Rate Method Required by Actuarial Guideline XXXVI – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Life/Fraternal)  
  • Reasonableness and Consistency of Assumptions Certification Required by Actuarial Guideline XXXVI (Updated Average Market Value) – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Life/Fraternal)  
  • Reasonableness and Consistency of Assumptions Certification Required by Actuarial Guideline XXXVI (Updated Market Value) – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Life/Fraternal)  
  • Director and Officer Insurance Coverage Supplement – Quarter Ending March 31, 2020 (Property)  

Electronic Filings and Signatures  

Regarding filing requirements, the OID generally instructs companies to file certain documents in hard copy form with original (wet) signature, and in some cases sent via certified mail or first-class and with notary requirementsThe hard copy, original signature, and related filing requirements are currently waived, however, companies are expected to keep a list of all filings that were made electronically in lieu of hard copy filings so that they can file all the hard copies within 60 days after the state has allowed a return to work. The OID expects electronic communication will be used by companies on all other financial related communication, with hard copies provided within 60 days if required by law. 

On-site Examinations 

Some insurers have inquired regarding whether the OID will continue to conduct on-site examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the OID intends to fully comply with any government directives regarding public gatherings, the OID will not conduct any on-site examination work that is contrary to the spirit of any public health directive and to facilitate this, insurers should be aware that the OID may need to request more information in electronic form. The OID expects independent auditors will take a similar position, thus an extended due date for that filing as noted in the above list. The OID acknowledges that company response times may be slower as more company employees work from home. 

Effective Date 

This bulletin shall take immediate effect.  

PC BULLETIN NO. 2020-01 (AMENDED)

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CORONA VIRUS (AMENDED)


To: All Property and Casualty Insurers Licensed in Oklahoma
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: March 20, 2020 (Updated April 29, 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 Department of Insurance is directing all property and casualty carriers providing coverage to Oklahoma residents to take the following immediate measures related to the potential impact of COVID-19.

  • All carriers shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 shall make all necessary and useful information available on their websites and staff their help lines accordingly.
  • Property and casualty carriers shall extend any applicable grace period for nonpayment of premium by 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. This provision is also applicable to premium financing arrangements. The Department expects that all insurers and premium finance companies will afford the extended grace period for consumers to pay their premiums. If the premium or premium finance installment payment isn’t subsequently paid by the insured, the policy is cancelled back to the original due date.
  • Property and casualty carriers shall suspend all claims reporting deadlines for the duration of the emergency declaration and extend all policyholder rights or benefits related to deadlines until 90 days after the state of emergency ends.
  • Property and casualty insurers and other entities regulated by my office, shall accept as valid and binding, any claim or claim related document bearing an e-signature or an e-notary as otherwise authorized pursuant to Oklahoma law.

Medical Professional Liability Insurance

  • In discussing medical professional liability coverage (“MPL”) with various insurers, we are pleased to report that companies are taking the lead to ensure that physicians’ coverage is being expanded in a number of ways designed to facilitate delivery of health care in connection with COVID-19. Coverage limitations regarding state licenses have been generally relaxed to provide coverage in states other than the doctor’s principal licensor state, subject to state or federal waivers. We ask that all MPL insurers are following this initiative.
  • For answers to additional questions about MPL coverage for COVID-19 claims, providers please check your carrier’s website for FAQs. For information involving coverage for transmission of the virus to employees, review your workers compensation policy for potential coverage. For claims involving transmission of the virus to members of the general public, please review your general liability policy for potential coverage.

 

The provisions of this bulletin are in effect until the state emergency is no longer in effect.

Questions or comments applicable to this bulletin should be directed to Mike Rhoads (mike.rhoads@oid.ok.gov) or Ron Kreiter (ron.kreiter@oid.ok.gov), Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-1816.

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

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

www.licensing.oid.ok.gov

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

Consumer Protection Bulletin Issued by Insurance Commissioner

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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.