Posts by: Britney Han

Insurance Commissioner Recognizes Industry Efforts to Provide Premium Relief During COVID-19

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release: 

April 17, 2020 

 

Insurance Commissioner Recognizes Industry Efforts to Provide Premium Relief During COVID-19 

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every type of business and service around the globe, including the insurance industry. As the insurance community navigates these challenging times, many companies are stepping forward, providing much–needed relief to their policyholders. 

During this public health emergency, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) has received requests from several property/casualty insurers to return a percentage of paid premiums to their policyholders. Most major auto insurers recognize that their customers are driving less during the COVID-19 crisis. Many insurance companies who operate in Oklahoma have announced refunds, dividends, credits or other appropriate premium adjustments to their customers. Most cited reduced policyholder mileage and the receipt of fewer claims amid the COVID-19 crisis as their reason for these offers.

“I want to recognize and thank the insurance industry for doing the right thing,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “These companies are taking the lead in helping ease some of the financial burdens many are experiencing during this crisis. I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for their leadership, community service and assistance during this difficult and unusual time.”

The OID is working diligently with insurers to approve these relief program requests and get money into consumers’ hands as quickly as possible. To see information about insurance companies offering premium relief and assistance programs to Oklahoma consumers, visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/covid19_relief/

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

  

For more information, contact: 

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

Letter to Oklahomans: We’re All in This Together

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

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 a 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. We’re all getting adjusted to this new normal.  

Even though this unprecedented situation presents unique challenges to the insurance industry and all our workplaces, I 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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Oklahoma Insurance Department

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.

Request for Professional and MCA Deposit Adjustment

Financial Bulletin NO. 2020-02 

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

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.gov) to 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 requirements. The 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.  

BULLETIN NO. PC 2020-02

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

OKLAHOMA MARKET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OK-MAP) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT

To: All Property and Casualty Insurers Licensed in Oklahoma all rating and Advisory Organizations
Attn: State Filing Division
Re: Oklahoma Market Assistance Program (OK-MAP) Annual Assesment
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: April 07, 2020

PURPOSE OF THIS BULLETIN

The Oklahoma Market Assistance Program (OK-MAP) Plan of Operation and the Oklahoma Insurance Code allow the program to collect an assessment from all insurers authorized to write property and casualty insurance in the State of Oklahoma. The purpose of the assessment is to help fund the program so that it may continue its efforts in assisting Oklahoma consumers in finding homeowners insurance. The amount of the assessment is $150 and all member insurers will receive an invoice for that amount during the first week of May 2020.

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

The assessment is due on September 1, 2020. 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 Marletta Bruner of the Rate and Form Compliance Division at Marletta.Bruner@oid.ok.gov or to Sara Worten of the Legal Division at Sara.Worten@oid.ok.gov. The Oklahoma Insurance Department encourages readers of this bulletin to periodically check the Department’s web site at http://www.ok.gov/oid/ for news and updates to bulletins and other relevant material.

PC BULLETIN NO. 2020-01 (AMENDED)

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

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.

LH BULLETIN NO. 2020-02 (AMENDED)

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

LH BULLETIN NO. 2020-02 (AMENDED)

To: All Life & Health Insurers and Health Maintenance Organizations Licensed in Oklahoma
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: March 17, 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 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 directing 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 shall 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 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, health carriers shall 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 shall make all necessary and useful information available on their websites and staff their nurse-help lines accordingly.
  • All health carriers shall not require specific platforms for providers and facilities to perform telemedicine services for the insureds.
  • Health carriers shall 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 shall 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. Health carriers shall follow federal guidelines with respect to payment of anti-body tests related to 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 shall review and ensure their telehealth programs with participating providers are robust and will be able to meet any increased demand. Additionally, health carriers shall waive telehealth copayments for insureds and reimburse the provider for the copayment.
  • Health carriers shall 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 shall 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 shall not use preauthorization requirements as a barrier to access necessary treatment for COVID-19, and health carriers shall be prepared to expedite utilization review and appeal processes for services related to COVID-19, when medically appropriate.
  • Health carriers shall, 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 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.
  • Health carriers shall 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 shall extend the traditional thirty (30) day grace period to a sixty (60) day grace period for nonpayment of premiums. All health carriers shall continue to pay claims without regard to premium payment status during the (60) day period. Claims may not be pended for payment during the (60) day period nor shall carriers recoup claims payment amounts from future provider reimbursements. Carriers shall follow all state, federal and administrative guidance related to cancellations. Federal rules governing marketplace policies (ACA) will remain in effect with respect to grace periods.
  • Carriers shall suspend underwriting rules related to group participation minimum requirements that would normally cause a group policy to be canceled.

Pharmacy Benefit Manager

  • The term “administrator” as used herein shall mean a pharmacy benefit manager or other provider of administrative services in connection with the prescription component of health insurance or health benefit plans.
  • Pharmacists writing “COVID-19” or substantially similar language on a prescription shall be equivalent to receiving a signature. No signature will be required at the time of delivery of a prescription by any person or entity providing delivery services related to the prescription. Pharmacy benefit managers shall 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, and Administrators shall suspend refill-too-soon edits. This does not apply to controlled substances. Further, all restrictions on pharmacies doing mail order shall 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.
  • Administrators are reminded that current law requires them to update their maximum allowable cost lists and any other pricing benchmarks used to determine pharmacy reimbursement rates at least once every seven (7) days.
  • Administrators shall 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.

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.

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.

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.

Amended Special Notice

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Amended Special Notice to Oklahoma Insurance Professionals

March 20, 2020 (updated April 3, 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 requests and changes.  Our availability by phone may be limited at times while we prioritize applications, incoming emails and other requests, 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

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is temporarily extending the deadline for continuing education requirements to the fourteenth (14th) day following the withdrawal or termination of Governor Stitt’s Amended Executive Order 2020-07.

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 phone
www.licensing.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.

Farmers Insurance® Waives Food Delivery Exclusions

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Farmers Insurance® Waives Food Delivery Exclusions Across the Nation for Customers With Farmers®-branded Personal Automobile and Motorcycle Insurance Policies

Effective immediately, Farmers® will voluntarily extend coverage, for no additional charge, to customers with Farmers branded auto and motorcycle policies who have begun making food, grocery, pharmacy and medical supplies deliveries using their personal vehicles

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Farmers Insurance
Mar 27, 2020, 20:47 ET

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., March 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — With states enacting restaurant seating restrictions and stay-at-home orders to help deter the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Farmers Insurance® announced today it is temporarily modifying its Farmers®-branded personal automobile and motorcycle insurance policies to provide applicable coverage for claims arising from the use of these vehicles for delivery of food, groceries, pharmacy and medical supplies, where they are not otherwise covered. Customers will not receive an additional charge for this temporary additional coverage.

Farmers Insurance Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Farmers Insurance)
Farmers Insurance Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Farmers Insurance)

“We want our customers to know we’re here for them during this extremely challenging situation,” said Keith Daly, President of Personal Lines for Farmers. “These are extraordinary times and we are committed to working with our customers to find innovative solutions to help meet the needs of the changed economic environment.”

While coverage for delivery services is traditionally excluded from standard automobile insurance policies, this temporary modification to Farmers-branded policies will help extend a customer’s existing personal auto and motorcycle insurance coverages to a delivery driver when using their personal automobile or motorcycle for the delivery of food, groceries, pharmacy and medical supplies.

The current voluntary extension of coverage will be in effect through April 30, 2020, for Farmers-branded policies. As the date approaches, Farmers may choose to extend the effective date of this modification. The applicable insurers will work with the various departments of insurance to implement these coverage extensions and modify implementation as requested by different states.

This action is being taken pro-actively by Farmers on behalf of its customers. Current customers who may be effected by this adjustment do not need to take any action to make this effective on their policy, it will be done automatically by Farmers. Customers with questions can call 888-327-6335.

About Farmers Insurance
“Farmers Insurance®” and “Farmers®” are tradenames for a group of insurers providing insurance for automobiles, homes and small businesses and a wide range of other insurance and financial services and products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with over 19 million individual policies nationally, through the efforts of more than 48,000 exclusive and independent agents and approximately 21,000 employees. Farmers Insurance Exchange®, the largest of the three primary insurance insurers that make up Farmers Insurance, is recognized as one of the largest U.S. companies on the 2019 Fortune 500 list.

For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, Twitter and Instagram, @WeAreFarmers, or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.

Contact: External Communications
Farmers Insurance®
reporterhotline@farmersinsurance.com

SOURCE Farmers Insurance

Critical Infrastructure

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

Critical Infrastructure

To: All Multicounty Agents, Professional Bail Bondsmen, and Bail Bondsmen Licensed in the State of Oklahoma
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: April 1, 2020
RE: Critical Infrastructure

Please be advised that the Oklahoma Insurance Department does not have the authority to determine “essential” or “critical” status of the bail industry. The federal government and the Oklahoma Governor have issued guidance regarding critical infrastructure. The OID recommends the bail associations request guidance from the Governor, or the Governor’s designated agency/official, in determining whether the bail industry, in whole or in part, is critical infrastructure.

The federal guidance may be found here: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce

The state guidance may be found here: https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1921.pdf

For questions please contact:

Lewis Garrison, Director
405.521.6612
Lewis.Garrison@oid.ok.gov

You can view additional information here: https://www.oid.ok.gov/regulated-entities/bail-bonds/notices/