Oklahoma Senate Bill SB651

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Health insurance; prohibiting insurer from canceling certain policy without notice; requiring insurer explain cancellation. Effective date.

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to impact both employers and health insurers significantly. By enforcing a minimum notice period for policy cancellations along with the requirement to explain the reasons, the bill aims to protect employers from sudden loss of health coverage for their employees. Additionally, employers will have more time to seek alternative insurance options or make necessary changes to their benefit offerings, ultimately promoting better employee health security and stability in the workforce.

Summary

Senate Bill 651 seeks to amend existing health insurance regulations in Oklahoma by requiring that insurers provide a written notice at least thirty days before canceling any accident and health insurance policy covering employers with twenty or more full-time employees. The bill mandates that insurers must detail the reasons for the policy cancellation in this notification. This change aims to enhance transparency and allow employers ample time to adjust their health insurance strategies in response to impending cancellations.

Contention

Opponents of SB651 may raise concerns about the practicality of requiring insurers to provide detailed explanations for policy cancellations. Some may argue that this could lead to increased administrative burdens for insurance companies, potentially resulting in higher costs which could be passed onto employers and employees. Furthermore, while the bill looks to provide more assurance for employers, critics might point out that it does not address underlying issues of affordability and accessibility of health insurance, which remain critical challenges faced by many businesses.