OK HB1409

Amends 36 O.S. 2001, Section 6055 relating to accident and health insurance policies to require equal compensation for covered services provided by any licensed practitioner regardless of their healing arts specialty.

Allows insureds to select any licensed practitioner to provide covered services and procedures, and prohibits insurance policies from discriminating against particular classes of practitioners in coverage or reimbursement.

Permits differences in cost-sharing (deductibles and copayments) between preferred and non-preferred providers, but limits deductible differences to 3x for in-hospital treatment and annual deductibles for non-preferred practitioners to $500 maximum.

Requires insurers to directly compensate practitioners, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers when benefits are assigned in writing by the insured, except for PPOs and statewide provider networks meeting specific criteria.

Effective November 1, 2011.