High Risk Pool

The High Risk Pool was created to serve those who are considered medically uninsurable or high risk. In layman's terms, that means people who have been denied health insurance due to a serious health condition. In certain cases, it also applies to those who have been quoted very high premiums, again due to a serious health condition.

It is a non-profit, legal entity created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1995. The Oklahoma Insurance Department was asked to design, launch and assist in coordinating its operations. However, a nine-member board of directors governs it.

The pool policy is administered by Benefit Management, Inc. (BMI), a third party administrator located at P.O. Box 1090, 2015 16thStreet, Great Bend, KS 67530. Questions can be directed to BMI or the Oklahoma City manager, Frazier Farley, at (405)741-8434. For more information, please contact BMI at www.okhrp.org or call toll free 1-877-793-6477.

The pool charges premiums for its insurance, just as traditional health insurers do. Premiums could seem high because they are not partially paid by an employer. However, the premiums will be no more than 50 percent above standard health insurance rates. Because the Pool covers high-risk people, it incurs a higher level of claims than premiums can cover. The insurance industry pays into the pool to make up the difference and help it remain viable.

While every situation cannot be covered here, generally speaking, the pool's primary purpose is to provide insurance coverage for those with grave or chronic health problems. This is done to limit the pool to Oklahomans who truly need it. Specific guidelines are described in the contract, but generally, you:

• Must have lived in Oklahoma at least one year
• Must have been rejected for health insurance by two companies or have been quoted very high premiums
• Cannot be institutionalized in a penal, drug or alcohol facility.

Note: Other exclusions/limitations may apply.

For updated Oklahoma Health Insurance High Risk Pool meeting agendas, please visit High Risk Pool Agendas.