News & Updates

HMO

Governor Declares State of Emergency for Idalia

Governor Declares State of Emergency for Idalia

Even before Idalia reached tropical storm status, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-171 declaring a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties. Counties subject to the declaration encompass a large portion of Florida’s Gulf coast, extending from Bay County (Panama City) to Sarasota County. The declaration of emergency activates certain portions of the state’s […]

Continue Reading →

OIR Issues Coronavirus Memorandum

OIR Issues Coronavirus Memorandum

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) issued informational memorandum OIR-20-01M to health insurers and HMO’s related to coronavirus.  The memorandum directs health plans to use available channels to communicate with policyholders, agents, providers and employees.  These communications should include information disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department […]

Continue Reading →

Legislature Develops Solution for Long Term Care Insolvencies

Legislature Develops Solution for Long Term Care Insolvencies

The House and Senate based a bill designed to more equitable handle insolvencies associated with long term care insurers. After passing both chambers without opposition, HB 673 goes to Governor Ron DeSantis for action. The bill largely follows the NAIC Model Act related funding long-term care insolvencies. In general, these insolvencies will be divided evenly […]

Continue Reading →

Cancer Treatment Fairness Act Passes Late in Session

Cancer Treatment Fairness Act Passes Late in Session

The legislature passed the Cancer Treatment Fairness Act late in the 2013 session as part of HB 1159.  The act takes effect July 1, 2014.  It creates section 627.42391 relating to health insurers and section 641.313 relating to health maintenance organizations.  The act requires insurers and HMO’s to cover prescribed orally administered cancer medications in […]

Continue Reading →

OIR Issues Memorandum to Health Insurers and HMO’s

OIR Issues Memorandum to Health Insurers and HMO’s

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued an informational memorandum to all health insurers and HMO’s.  The purpose of the memorandum is to notify health insurers and HMO’s of a recent amendment to the federal interim final rules relating to Internal Claims and Appeals and External Review Processes. The OIR’s informational memorandum can be […]

Continue Reading →

Wellness Bill Signed Into Law Effective July 1

Wellness Bill Signed Into Law Effective July 1

The legislature passed HB 445 during the 2011 session creating an exception to unfair insurance trade practices statutes allowing health insurers and HMOs to offer rewards or incentives for wellness or health improvements. The incentives may take the form of merchandise, gift cards, debit cards, premium discounts, contributions to HSAs or similar items.  Governor Rick […]

Continue Reading →

OIR Issues Memorandum on Guaranteed Availability of Health Insurance

OIR Issues Memorandum on Guaranteed Availability of Health Insurance

The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued informational memorandum OIR-11-01 to life and health insurers and health maintenance organizations licensed in Florida.  The stated purpose of the memorandum is to inform insurers of the requirements of Section 627.6487, Florida Statutes, relating to the guaranteed availability of health insurance. The memorandum states that eligible individuals […]

Continue Reading →