Click for more options

Oklahoma Health Insurance Consumer Protections & Tips

Oklahoma Consumer Protections

Oklahoma provides a variety of important protections through state law. These might include:

The appeal of coverage decisions within the insurance company;
The appeal of coverage decisions to an impartial external reviewer;
Prompt payment of claims;
Access to certain specialists and health care providers pursuant to policy language;
Coverage of specific treatments and services pursuant to policy language. If you have questions about protections in Oklahoma, contact Oklahoma Insurance Department at www.insurance.state.ok.us.

Other Important Consumer Protections

COBRA Continuation Coverage - If you purchase insurance coverage through your employer and your employer has 20 or more employees, when you leave your job, you are entitled to continuation coverage by the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Oklahoma requires continuation coverage to be provided for a period of thirty days by all insurance carriers writing in the employer group market. The thirty day continuation is for all employees and their covered dependents that have lost coverage. The continuation can last up to six months for disabled individuals, those in a plan of surgical treatment and persons pregnant. You can find out more about COBRA continuation of group health benefits from the federal Department of Labor, Office of Employee Benefits Security Administration Web site, www.dol.gov/ebsa/.
HIPAA -- The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 limits insurers' power to deny or delay claims, reduces your chances of losing existing coverage, makes it easier and less risky to switch health plans, and prohibits insurance discrimination based on health problems. You can find out more about HIPAA from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Web site, www.cms.hhs.gov/.

Some Final Tips on Buying Health Insurance

Make sure you feel confident in the insurance agent and company. It is a good idea to contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department and make sure the agent and company you are dealing with are licensed.
Learn what kinds of policies will provide what you need and pick the one best for you. Don't hesitate to shop around and ask a lot of questions.
Do not sign an application until you review it carefully to be sure the answers are complete and accurate. Make sure that the word "insurance" is actually used and that there is no disclaimer stating that, "This product is not insurance, nor is it intended to replace insurance."
For more information about health insurance options, and tips for choosing the coverage that is right for you and your family, go to www.insureUonline.org.
Please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at (800) 522-0071 with additional questions.

Resources:

Articles:

Oklahoma Health Guide Pages:

Links: