SB 1722 Summary

• Requires insurance issuers to request Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner approval before discontinuing a particular class of group health insurance coverage, with the Commissioner having 60 days to decide

• Commissioner must determine that discontinuance is not intended as a pretext to deny coverage based on claim experience or health-status-related factors, considering claim histories, premiums, profits/losses, and public comments

• Mandates issuers provide 90 days' written notice to policyholders and participants before discontinuing coverage and must offer alternative coverage currently available to other group plans

• Establishes liability for unlawful discontinuance, allowing former policyholders to recover compensatory damages, costs, and attorney fees in lawsuits filed within 3 years

• Requires Commissioner to order extended benefits lasting at least 18 months for individuals with total disability if major medical coverage is discontinued, unless similar coverage is provided under another plan