Life Health News

New York withdrew the requirement for domestic and foreign insurance companies to submit fingerprints for officers, directors, and any controlling persons to the Department as part of applications, corporate amendment applications, or when there are new directors and officers. There are also changes in background check requirements. Circular Letter 6 (2001) is withdrawn.     Notice dated December 1, 2023

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LIFE INSURANCE / LIFE CONTRACTS

New York amended its insurance law regarding wellness programs offered by life insurers. The law adds a description of a required disclosure to be provided at or prior to the time of application.     AB 8504

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MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE

Kentucky published notice of a new law applying to Medicare Supplement policies. The law provides new open enrollment periods and a guaranteed issue period referred to as the "birthday rule." The birthday rule requires companies to provide guaranteed issue rights, once each year, to applicants who apply for the same plan (but with a different insurer) and submit the application within 60 days of their birthday.   Notice Dated January 24, 2024

Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner informed Medicare Supplement carriers of new enrollment requirements for Medicare supplement issuers.     Notice dated February 27, 2024

Virginia amended its Medicare Supplement Policies Rule by expanding the definition of disability as a reason for eligibility for Medicare, establishing a 6-month period to enroll and setting premium rate limits.     14 VAC 5-170-75

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MENTAL HEALTH PARITY

California adopted amendments to its Mental Health Parity regulations. Changes are intended to clarify the requirements of health plans as they pertain to mental health and substance abuse coverage and provide better disclosure to consumers.     1300.74.72

Delaware re-issued a bulletin reminding insurers of the requirement to cover annual behavioral well-checks.     Domestic-Foreign Insurers Bulletin 134 (Reissued)

Georgia published a bulletin notifying carriers of the requirement to submit data on mental health parity and addiction equity on an annual basis. The directive includes instructions for submitting the reports.     Directive 24-EX-1

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MISCELLANEOUS

California enacted amendments to its code of civil procedure as it relates to certain initial disclosures, the timing of those disclosures and providing for exemptions and sanctions.     SB 235

New Mexico's Superintendent of Insurance announced on February 20, 2024, that its OSI eDocket system has been fully recovered from the September 2023 Cyber incident and is now fully accessible.  Web update of February 20, 2024

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MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH / ACCIDENT

Arkansas passed a new rule to establish an audit process to insure health benefit plans calculate the proper amounts under the No Surprises Act.  Rule 69

Michigan issued a bulletin reminding insurers issuing health insurance of the requirement to provide coverage for cancer therapies that meet the criteria of MCL 500.3406e.     Bulletin 2024-01-INS

Oregon's Insurance Commissioner provided guidance to insurers who write Short Term Disability policies in light of the recent implementation of the Paid Leave Oregon program.     Bulletin DFR 2024-1

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PRE-NEED CONTRACTS

Oklahoma's Insurance Department updated the maximum amount of principal allowed for non-specified pre-paid funeral benefit contracts from $20,000 to $28,670 to incorporate the previous year's increase in the national Consumer Price Index.     Bulletin 2024-01

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REPORTS - DATA CALLS & OTHER REPORTS

Maryland published a bulletin notifying carriers of an extension of the deadline to file non-quantitative treatment limitation analysis (NQTL) reports and data reports. Due to newly proposed legislation which could impact the reports, the Department is extending the reporting deadline to July 1, 2024.     Bulletin 24-5

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RESERVE VALUATION

Connecticut published a bulletin notifying carriers of the adoption of the 2024 edition of the NAIC Valuation Manual.     Bulletin FS-47

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STANDARD VALUATION LAW

Nebraska's Insurance Director announced that for the 2024 reporting year, the Department adopted the updates to the Standard Valuation Act Valuation Manual dated August 16, 2023.     Guidance Document IGD-F7 amended January 25, 2024

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TRADE PRACTICES

Alaska reminded insurers of their duty to comply with all applicable laws or regulations when its use of artificial intelligence (AI) impacts consumers of the state. Laws involving use of AI include the unfair trade practices act and the unfair claims settlement practices act. The bulletin reiterates the risks the department sees in the use of AI and notifies insurers of the requirement to establish an AI Systems Program to provide oversight. The department will be performing inquiries and examination to ensure compliance.     Bulletin B24-01

District of Columbia enacted the "Protecting Consumers from Unjust Debt Collection Practices Technical Clarification Emergency Act of 2024." The Act prohibits any creditor or debt collector from attempting to collect a debt by visiting the household of a consumer or by publicizing the debt.   B-662

Wisconsin's Commissioner of Insurance informed carriers and producers of an increase in complaints regarding the sale of Affordable Care Act compliant health plans, both on and off the exchange. Producers and insurers, out-of-state brokers in particular, are asked to take all reasonable steps to ensure the terms of prospective plans are accurately described and suitable to the applicant as Wisconsin is committed to enforcing its insurance laws and regulations.     Bulletin dated February 21, 2024

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UTILIZATION REVIEW - HEALTH CARE

New York passed an amendment to its utilization review law. An adverse determination related to a step therapy protocol override determination must include clinical review criteria relied upon to make the determination and any applicable alternative prescription drugs subject to the step therapy protocol. Other requirements are also included in the law.     AB 8501