In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling regulatory updates to provide clients easy access to information during this unprecedented time. If you have any questions on the subject matter below, do not hesitate to reach out. The information below relates to state and federal bulletins, emergency orders, pending/enacted legislation, and other related actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All Lines of Insurance
Arkansas: On June 19, the Arkansas Department of Insurance issued Bulletin No. 26-2020 extending COVID-19 bulletins for the duration of the state of emergency, which is effective from June 18 through August 17. The Bulletin extends Bulletin 21-2020, which established a moratorium on cancellation and nonrenewal, that was set to expire June 19.
Kansas: On June 16, the Kansas Department of Insurance (DOI) updated the COVID-19 FAQ, advising licensees who received a license suspension notice to contact the DOI if they want to renew their licenses.
Washington: On June 19, Commissioner Kreidler partially extended Emergency Order 20-02 (Excluding Part E) until July 19. This is the second 30 day extension regarding various COVID-19 related coverages, as discussed in Emergency Order 20-02 originally published on March 24, 2020.
Property and Casualty Insurance
Oklahoma: On June 18, the Oklahoma Department of Insurance issued an amended version of PC Bulletin 2020-01, notifying insurers that the bulletin will be rescinded on June 30th, with exceptions for certain policyholder leniencies. Although Oklahoma’s moratorium will end on June 30, insurers are required to continue any 45-day extensions granted before that date.
Wisconsin: On June 18, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (“OCI”) issued a bulletin acknowledging that the requirement for insurers to extend coverage to restaurant delivery drivers has since expired. The Bulletin urges insurers to help restaurants with the transition process by providing at least 10 days written notice if their hired and non-owned coverage will expire. For personal auto coverage, OCI asked insurers to notify insureds in the same way they were notified of the extension of the coverage for delivery service, but only if the insurer notified their personal auto policyholders when the first bulletin was issued.
Health Insurance
Puerto Rico: On June 16, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance released Ruling Letter No. CN-2020-279-D regarding coverage of personal protection equipment for dental services in commercial health insurance plans during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Ruling Letter clarifies that insurers and health service organizations are required to include code DI999- “unspecified preventive procedures”- in dental coverage of commercial health insurance plans.
