Bulletin No. 2019-1: Federal Government Shutdown

BULLETIN NO. EX 2019-01 To: All Licensed Insurance Companies From: Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner Date: January 24, 2019 Re: Notice to Insurance Companies Regarding Policyholders Affected by the Federal Government Shutdown The federal government shutdown began on December 22, 2018, and has continued to this date. It is the longest federal government shutdown in history, and it adversely affects approximately 800,000 federal employees and workers under contract with the affected federal agencies (hereinafter "affected policyholder(s)"), of which, a number are Oklahomans. To assist these policyholders, I am encouraging all insurance companies to refrain from cancelling or non-renewing such policies due to the non-payment of premiums. This Bulletin shall apply to commercial and personal, property, casualty, accident and health, and life policies. Affected policyholders should notify their insurance carriers and agents to identify themselves as furloughed federal employees. Insurers are encouraged to provide the requested relief if the circumstances justify. Insurers are also encouraged to permit the affected policyholders time to repay the premiums due during the shutdown. This Bulletin applies only to cancellations or non-renewals that are attributed to a failure to pay premiums during the furlough period. Issued this 24th day of January, 2019. Glen Mulready, Insurance Commissioner