Posts by: Britney Han

Commissioner Mulready Addresses Future Resolution to CVS/Caremark 90-Day Prescriptions

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
May 11, 2023

Commissioner Mulready Addresses Future Resolution to CVS/Caremark 90-Day Prescriptions

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced today that after conversations with large employers and CVS/Caremark, there are remedies coming to those nearly 300,000 Oklahomans impacted by Caremark, LLC’s (Caremark) decision to do away with 90-day and mail order pharmacy benefits.

In March, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (Department) filed an administrative action against Caremark for alleged violations of “steering patients” to CVS pharmacies and prescription mail-order services. A hearing was set for May 25, 2023, where the Department will seek to censure, suspend, place on probation or revoke the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) license of Caremark. In addition, the Department will seek restitution and/or levy fines for each alleged violation.

Since the filing, the Department has been in discussions with large client employers, such as, AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Phillips 66. In addition to those conversations, we have met with CVS/Caremark, and they now have a plan in place to allow 90-day and mail order options for at least 80% of the plans by July.

“I am encouraged by the recent change of course and focus of Caremark to develop a plan with their employer groups that will resolve the current issues facing many Oklahomans.” Mulready said.  “We have met with their leadership, and I am committed to making sure this plan becomes a reality. We were originally informed that solutions would not be available until March of 2024, so we look forward to this resolution taking place in the coming months.”

For more insurance information, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

 

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

Commissioner Mulready Meets with Oklahoma Congressional Delegation

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 28, 2023

Commissioner Mulready Meets with Oklahoma Congressional Delegation

State insurance regulators visited Capitol Hill to highlight legislative priorities

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – During the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Congressional DC Fly-In on April 26–27, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready joined his NAIC colleagues in advocating for federal reforms that would reinforce state-based insurance regulation and strengthen policyholder protections. Topics discussed with members of Congress included long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), and returning authority to the states to oversee Medicare Advantage marketing.

“Coordinating with the federal government plays an essential role in our department’s work to protect consumers and keep insurance markets stable and secure in Oklahoma. I greatly enjoyed speaking with members of our federal delegation about issues that impact every Oklahoman, and I look forward to continuing to work together on their behalf,” said Commissioner Mulready.

The NAIC’s annual Congressional Fly-In offers chief state insurance regulators and senior staff the opportunity to meet with their congressional delegation, discuss efforts to assist constituents, brief lawmakers on regulatory developments in insurance, and advocate for state and NAIC priorities.

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

From left to right: OID Chief of Staff Brian Downs, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3), Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready


Senator Markwayne Mullin and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

BULLETIN NO. 3-2023

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

BULLETIN NO. 3-2023

To: ALL PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURERS LICENSED IN OKLAHOMA ALL RATING AND ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS ATTENTION: STATE FILING DIVISION
Re: OKLAHOMA MARKET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OK-MAP) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT
From: GLEN MULREADY, INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Date: April 26, 2023

 

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 “member” insurers 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 2023.

“Member” means all property and casualty insurers licensed in the State of Oklahoma or writing homeowners’ or liability insurance in the state.

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, 2023. 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, Rate and Form Division, at Marletta.Bruner@oid.ok.gov;

Kurt Cagle, Rate and Form Division, at Kurt.Cagle@oid.ok.gov; or

Bo Debose, Legal Division, at Bo.Debose@oid.ok.gov

How to Get Ready for Wildfires

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 18, 2023

How to Get Ready for Wildfires

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

 

Over the past few weeks, Oklahoma’s dry, warm and windy weather contributed to more than 20 wildfires. These fires have burned thousands of acres and destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings across the state, forcing evacuations and impacting hundreds of Oklahomans. Our team recently visited wildfire sites in Logan County to survey damage and help deliver assistance for disaster recovery. Hearing so many heartbreaking stories from victims about their losses was emotional.

Wildfires can start and spread so quickly that you may not have time to think about a response. That’s why I’d like to remind Oklahomans to get ready. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and make recovery easier. The best way to limit the damage and recover from this type of devastation is to have a plan before the flames spark. Here’s how to get ready:

  1. Avoid Outdoor Burning During a Red Flag Watch/Warning
    Practice awareness and avoid outdoor burning when a Red Flag Fire Watch or Warning is in effect. Keep a fire extinguisher handy if you must work outdoors with equipment that gets hot or involves sparks.
  2. Create a Fire-Safe Space
    Keep your property free of overgrowth close to the home that could catch fire. Remove anything flammable within 5 feet of your house. Trim branches hanging over your roof. Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters and roof. Don’t forget to check your deck for any material that can catch fire.
  3. Check Your Insurance
    Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have enough coverage to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed by fire. I also recommend creating a home inventory. This tool will ensure your insurance claim will be settled faster and easier.
  4. Create an Evacuation Plan
    If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Choose a route away from the fire hazard and be alert to the speed and direction of fire and smoke changes. Also, learn all roads out of your neighborhood.

I understand filing an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially during a crisis. Please contact us if you have suffered losses to a wildfire or have insurance-related concerns or questions. We’re here to help and want to make sure Oklahomans receive the assistance they need to recover as quickly as possible. Please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov/after.

 

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

Commissioner Mulready Named to the National Insurance Producer Registry’s Board of Directors

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 13, 2023

Commissioner Mulready Named to the National Insurance Producer Registry’s Board of Directors

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready has been named to the National Insurance Producer Registry’s (NIPR) Board of Directors. NIPR is governed by a 13-member board of directors that includes six state Insurance Commissioners, six members representing producer and insurance industry trade associations, and the NAIC’s CEO or COO.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the NIPR,” Commissioner Mulready said. “I look forward to working with my fellow directors in this capacity and helping the organization complete the final year of its current strategic plan which will focus on critical issues like customer-focused excellence and high quality and reliable technology.”

Incorporated in October 1996, NIPR is a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). NIPR provides the insurance industry with a data warehouse of producer licensing information from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories. NIPR’s products and services eliminate paperwork and data entry, allowing for increased productivity and faster turnaround time for the producer licensing process.

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

 

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

Insurance Commissioner Places Friday Health Under Supervision

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 5, 2023

Insurance Commissioner Places Friday Health Under Supervision

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced today that he has placed Friday Health Plans of Oklahoma, Inc. (Friday Health) under supervision of the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). Friday Health is a health maintenance organization domiciled and licensed only in Oklahoma.

Commissioner Mulready stated, “The decision to place Friday Health under supervision was not taken lightly. However, given the company’s financial situation, we determined this was the best action to protect policyholders and ensure their claims are paid.”

Friday Health is a subsidiary of the Friday Health group. The Friday Health group is Colorado-based and provides health coverage to individuals and families in multiple states. The company was founded in 2015 and had been operating the Friday Health Plans of Oklahoma HMO since 2019.

The OID has been monitoring the declining financial situation with the Friday Health group over the past year and has been in regular communication with their leadership team since late 2022 when several executive members were replaced.

The Agreed Order of Supervision requires Friday Health to continue processing and servicing its claims and members, including making timely payments during supervision. In addition, Friday Health shall demonstrate an attainable path to achieve necessary and sufficient capital and surplus as required by the Oklahoma Insurance Code.

Commissioner Mulready will designate an experienced supervisor to oversee and monitor Friday Health’s finances and claims handling to ensure members, creditors, and the public are protected.

Commissioner Mulready added, “Our primary focus is to ensure that the members of Friday Health receive the coverage and benefits they are entitled to. I will work closely with the supervisor to ensure that happens.”

For more information, members of Friday Health Plans of Oklahoma, Inc. should visit the OID website at www.oid.ok.gov or call the OID Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-522-0071. To view the final order, click here: 23-0152-SOL  State v. Friday Health Plans of Oklahoma, Inc.

 

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

Mulready Files Action Against CVS/Caremark

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
April 3, 2023

Mulready Files Action Against CVS/Caremark

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready announced today the filing of an administrative action against CVS/Caremark that outlines alleged violations of the Patient’s Right to Pharmacy Choice Act. The filing targets the practice of “steering patients” to CVS pharmacies and prescription mail-order services and seeks to censure, suspend, place on probation or revoke the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) license of CVS/Caremark. In addition, the Oklahoma Insurance Department (Department) will seek restitution and/or levy fines for each alleged violation.

“I am convinced that CVS/Caremark does not want to follow Oklahoma law and wants to find every opportunity to skirt their responsibility,” Mulready said. “I am extremely frustrated with the misinformation and confusion presented to Oklahoma consumers.”

The Department sent a letter in February providing notice to CVS/Caremark that administrative action would be taken if they did not immediately correct their communication that went out to consumers related to the CVS/Caremark Maintenance Choice Program.

In response to the Department’s February formal notice, CVS/Caremark took corrective action but has since communicated to their large client employers that filling 90-day prescriptions is now prohibited. CVS/Caremark has used untruthful and harmful statements to explain the reasoning behind this impactful business decision that continues to restrict pharmacy choice conditions.

“I expect PBM licensees to follow the law, not operate on the fringes of regulatory compliance,” Mulready said. “This is especially egregious because this is the first time that any PBM previously sanctioned by the Department has publicly committed the same violation a second time. This is unacceptable, and we will hold them accountable.”

The administrative hearing is scheduled for May 25, 2023.Click here to view the Notice of Hearing and Order to Show Cause.

For more insurance information, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

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

Special Enrollment Period for Oklahomans Disenrolled From SoonerCare

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
March 30, 2023

Special Enrollment Period for Oklahomans Disenrolled From SoonerCare

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s (OID) issued a bulletin regarding a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare Supplement policies. During the SEP, qualified individuals may apply and enroll in a Medicare Supplement policy without underwriting considerations by the insurance company. This means the insurance company cannot refuse to sell a policy to beneficiaries who fall under the SEP. It also means those beneficiaries cannot be charged higher premiums because of their health status, claims experience, or medical condition.

An individual is eligible for this SEP if he or she:

  1. Is enrolled in Oklahoma Medicaid (SoonerCare) and remained enrolled in SoonerCare due to a suspension of terminations by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
  2. Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B within six (6) months of the later date of termination or disenrollment of SoonerCare benefits (or, if a notice is not received, notice that a claim has been denied because of such a termination of disenrollment); or the date that the SoonerCare benefits terminate or cease;
  3. Applies for a Medicare supplement policy during the 63-day period following the date of enrollment in Medicare Part B;
  4. Submits evidence of the date of termination or disenrollment from Soonercare with the application for a Medicare supplement policy.

Termination of SoonerCare coverage or disenrollment from SoonerCare based on eligibility determinations will begin on April 30, 2023. Many Oklahomans may continue to be eligible for SoonerCare. However, for those losing SoonerCare coverage, a SEP on the health insurance marketplace has been established that will run from March 31, 2023, to July 31, 2024. A SEP also has been put into place for those who are losing SoonerCare coverage and have access to employer-based coverage. For more information, please read the Bulletin No.1 – 2023.

Additional resources for health insurance consumers are available at https://www.oid.ok.gov/public-health-emergency-phe/. If you have insurance questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

 

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

BULLETIN NO. 2-2023

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

BULLETIN NO. 2-2023

To: Oklahoma Licensed Producers, Oklahoma Licensed Health Insurers and HMOs and Other Interested Parties
Re: Special Enrollment Period for Medicare Supplement Policies – OAC 365: 10-5-129.2
From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner
Date: March 30, 2023

 

Beginning April 1, 2023, and throughout the remainder of 2023, the disenrollment of certain individuals that have been continuously enrolled in SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid program) and no longer meeting eligibility requirements, will take place by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA).  The re-determination process, required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, will include individuals that became eligible for Medicare coverage during the continuous enrollment period and did not enroll in Medicare coverage or were automatically enrolled in Medicare by the Social Security Administration.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) permitting qualified individuals to apply and enroll in a Medicare Supplement policy without underwriting considerations by the issuer will be permitted under Oklahoma Administrative Code 365:10-5-129.2, as follows:

365:10-5-129.2 Special enrollment period for Medicare supplement policies

  • An issuer of Medicare supplement policies in this State shall issue any Medicare supplement policy the carrier sells in this State to an individual eligible for Medicare if the individual:
  • Is enrolled in SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) and remained enrolled in SoonerCare due to a suspension of terminations by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
  • Enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B within six (6) months of the later date of termination or disenrollment of SoonerCare benefits (or, if a notice is not received, notice that a claim has been denied because of such a termination of disenrollment); or the date that the SoonerCare benefits terminate or cease;
  • Applies for Medicare supplement policy during the 63-day period following the date of enrollment in Medicare Part B;
  • Submits evidence of the date of termination or disenrollment from SoonerCare with the application for a Medicare supplement policy.
  • With respect to applicants of a Medicare supplement policy under section (a), the issuer shall not deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of a Medicare supplement policy that is offered and available for sale in this State, nor discriminate in the pricing of such a Medicare supplement policy, because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition and shall not impose any exclusion of benefits based on a preexisting condition under such a Medicare supplement policy.

Regulated entities can direct inquiries regarding this bulletin to Kim Hunter at kim.hunter@oid.ok.gov.

Commissioner Mulready Issues Statement on CVS/Caremark 90-Day Prescription Decision

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Oklahoma Insurance Department

For Immediate Release:
March 28, 2023

Commissioner Mulready Issues Statement on CVS/Caremark 90-Day Prescription Decision

OKLAHOMA CITY – Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready released the following statement regarding CVS/Caremark’s 90-day prescription decision:

“The Oklahoma Insurance Department is receiving an increasing number of complaints about CVS/Caremark’s recent decision to no longer offer 90-day prescriptions for many of their large client employers,” Mulready said.

“We understand that Oklahoma law does not mandate the filling of 90-day prescriptions, but CVS/Caremark has made a quick and impactful business decision that will not be fixed until one year from now. This is unacceptable, and I implore CVS/Caremark to address the contractual and technical issues as quickly as possible in order to better serve Oklahoma consumers. I also encourage Oklahoma employers impacted by this decision to voice their concerns to CVS/Caremark.”

 

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