In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling regulatory updates to provide clients easy access to information during this unprecedented time.  If you have any questions on the subject matter below, do not hesitate to reach out.  The information below relates to state and federal bulletins, emergency orders, pending/enacted legislation, and other related actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All Lines of Insurance

Hawaii:  On June 10, Governor Ige issued the ninth supplementary proclamation related to the COVID-19 emergency, which, among other things, includes a restatement of Executive Order 20-05 which provides immunity from civil liability for health care providers and facilities acting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The disaster emergency relief period is continued through July 31.

New York:  On June 11, the New York Department of Financial Services announced that it will now offer insurance licensing exams remotely through its examination vendor, PSI. Remote online proctored testing will be available starting June 15th for all 28 New York insurance licensing exams. Candidates can go to the PSI website at www.psionline.com/contact/ to sign up for a remote insurance examination slot and for additional information. Candidates’ computers must be compatible with the testing requirements to take the exam. Examinations can be scheduled during the day, as well as in the evening and on weekends.

Health Insurance

Wyoming:  On June 10, Commissioner Rude announced an Informational Bulletin regarding antibody testing for COVID-19. Commissioner Rude encouraged insurance carriers to continue covering the expense of medically necessary diagnostic test, but clarified that health insurance should not be expected to cover public health surveillance or employment screening programs unless directed to do so by federal authorities. Further, this Bulletin clarified that carriers are expected to cover PCR and Antigen tests for COVID-19, while the department anticipates that insurers will only cover antibody tests when such tests are medically necessary.