OKLAHOMA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
COMMISSIONER JOHN D. DOAK
Five Corporate Plaza 3625 NW 56th, Suite 100, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(800) 522-0071 | www.oid.ok.gov
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Open enrollment period for child only coverage:
Jan. 1 through Feb. 29, 2012.
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As you all know, implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act caused carriers to cease offering child-only health insurance. Although the Oklahoma Insurance Department enacted a child-only health insurance rule last summer, carriers continue to voice serious concerns about re-entering the child-only market. As a result, the rule has been modified. Gov. Mary Fallin signed the modified rule on Dec. 5. (OAC 365:10-1-15, View Online).
The reason for this message is to make you aware that the modified rule creates an open enrollment opportunity, for 2012 only, from Jan. 1 through Feb. 29, 2012. The Oklahoma Insurance Department is confident that, pursuant to the modified rule, carriers will once again begin offering coverage in the child-only market and we encourage you to contact your insurance agent to find the carriers that will participate in this upcoming opportunity.
The modified rule allows carriers to impose non-health related eligibility rules, such as age limits. Your insurance agent can help you understand a carrier's underwriting rules.
The January through February open enrollment will only be available in 2012. However, there will be a regular open enrollment period in June and July 2012 and each year thereafter. In addition to the open enrollment period, the rule provides for special enrollment periods for children who undergo a “qualifying event.” For 31 days following a qualifying event, the child is eligible to apply with any insurer offering child-only coverage. Again, non-health related eligibility rules may be applied.
Please review the rule carefully so that you understand the different enrollment periods and be sure to contact the OID’s Consumer Assistance Division at (800) 522-0071 with any questions.
