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

Alaska:  On August 12, Alaska issued Bulletin B20-15, which waives the requirement for insurers to conduct semi-annual, on-site reviews of the operations of managing general agents or third-party administrators in 2020.

Health Insurance

Washington:  On August 14, Insurance Commissioner Kreidler further extended Emergency Order 20-02, now set to expire on September 15, 2020, with the exception of Part E (which was never extended and expired May 23, 2020). Emergency Order 20-02 provides for a number of COVID-19 related responses, including use of alternative telehealth platforms such as Facetime, Google hang outs, and Skype, coverage of deductible and testing for COVID-19 without cost-sharing, and elimination of prior authorization of service in some circumstances.