2013 Oregon Legislative Assembly
The Oregon Legislative Assembly convenes February 4, 2013. Here
are links to key insurance-related bills, as well as the Oregon
Legislature's website.
Insurance Division Bills
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Aligns Oregon health insurance law with changes in Federal law. Abolishes Oregon Medical Insurance Pool on June 30, 2015.
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Permits Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services to share information related to acquisitions of insurers under certain circumstances. Permits director to organize or participate in hearing on insurer's acquisition of affiliated companies etc.
Testimony: February 20, 2013 -
Russell Latham
To find the history of a Senate measure, select Senate
Measure History.
Life and Health Insurance
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Establishes requirements for coverage of autism spectrum disorders
by health benefit plans. Outlines requirements.
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Directs Department of Consumer and Business Services and Oregon
Health Authority to jointly develop form that providers in this
state may use to request prior authorization for prescription
drug benefits. Requires response to request for such prior authorization
within two business days of receiving request.
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Limits public comment period for premium rate filings by individual
portability or small employer health insurers to health benefit
plans offered by those insurers. Outlines details.
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Prohibits discretionary clauses in health insurance policies
contracts and certificates offered or issued in Oregon.
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Authorizes health care facility, health care provider, and
patient to file notice of adverse health care incident with
Oregon Patient Safety Commission. Sets forth procedures and
directives and creates task force.
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Requires Department of Consumer and Business Services to apply
to United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to participate
in wellness program demonstration project.
Property and casualty
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Adds Specifications for service contracts and vehicle protection
products that are subject to regulation. Creates new provisions
and amends 646A.154.
Insurance Division written testimony - May 14, 2013
Miscellaneous legislation
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Requires insurer that elects to communicate with insureds electronically
to allow insured to opt out of electronic communication in favor of
regular mail when applying for coverage. Prohibits notices of cancellation
or nonrenewal to be communicated electronically.
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Provides that reduction in corporate excise tax through application of credit allowed for qualified equity investment is not considered in calculation of retaliatory tax imposed against insurer.
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Permits Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services
to seek restitution on behalf of consumer that suffered actual damages
as result of insurer's violation of Insurance Code or breach of insurance
contract or policy and to seek other equitable relief that director
deems appropriate under circumstances. Outlines details.
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Limits certain biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts and specified federal funds, but exclusion lottery and other federal funds, collected or received by Department of Consumer and Business Services.
To find the history of a House measure, select House
Measure History.
Life and Health Insurance
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Specifies additional criteria for certifying health plans to
participate in Oregon Health Insurance Exchange. Exempts qualified
health plans from 10 day grace period for non payment of premium.
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Extends sunset on collection of hospital assessment. Repeals
premium, Medicaid managed care organization and Public Employees'
Benefit Board assessments. Makes conforming changes. Takes effect
on 91st day following adjournment sine die.
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Removes from health insurance coverage requirements for chemical
dependency and mental or nervous conditions, exemption for treatment
resulting from conviction of driving while under influence of
intoxicants.
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Prohibits cost sharing for health services medications and
supplies medically necessary for management of diabetes during
pregnancy and for six weeks postpartum.
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Establishes requirements for health insurance coverage of autism
spectrum disorders.
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Requires insurers to reimburse physician assistants and nurse
practitioners at the same rate as physicians for same service.
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Eliminates nontax status of life insurance investments earnings,
annuity investment earnings.
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Creates Oregon Retirement Savings Investment Board. Directs
board to develop recommendations for establishing Oregon Secure
Retirement Plan for individuals and employees in private sector
and report to interim committee of Legislative Assembly on recommendations.
Property and casualty
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Increases rate of gross premium tax paid by insurers on fire insurance
policies.
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Requires insurer that provides coverage of ambulance care and transportation
to indemnify provider of ambulance care and transportation directly.
Miscellaneous legislation
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Provides that reduction in corporate excise tax through application
of credit allowed for qualified equity investment is not considered
in calculation of retaliatory tax imposed againsst insurer.
Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2013.
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Provides that enrolled customer consents to receive notice
of modification or termination of portable electronics insurance
by electronic means if enrolled customer provides electronic
mail address.
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Requires Oregon Health Authority to adopt standards and procedures
to certify specified mental health providers to qualify for
insurance reimbursement. Authorizes authority to adopt fee for
such certification and for applying for such certification.
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Prohibits owner of self service storage facility from selling
or offering to sell insurance unless owner applies for and receives
limited license from Director of DCBS. Prescribes information
required for application. Operative 1-1-2014.
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Includes insurance in definition of real estate goods and services
that are subject to penalties for unlawful trade practices.
Permits person to obtain and court to award appropriate equitable
relief in addition to monetary damages in action under Unlawful
Trade Practices Act.
