Okla. Commissioner to Issue Temporary Licenses to Medicare Volunteers

Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland announced that the Oklahoma Insurance Department will issue expedited temporary licenses to volunteers who are assisting senior citizens to enroll in the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

“I am proud the Insurance Department has been able to help cut through the red tape for the volunteers who provide counseling and assistance to our senior citizens,” Holland said. “These volunteer counselors are not compensated for their time, and the organizations they work for do such a good job helping people figure out the maze of programs and benefits available.”

Holland said the insurance department has worked with the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assure that volunteers would be properly trained before they begin assisting seniors.

Temporary insurance licenses will be issued to volunteers who have successfully completed the required training. The temporary licenses authorize volunteers to provide assistance relating to the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans and will expire 180 days from their effective date.

Eligible persons may begin enrolling in the new prescription drug plan on Nov. 15, 2005.

“Everyone who is helping people enroll in these drug plans must be licensed. The licenses provide assurance that the people who are helping with enrollment are qualified and knowledgeable,” Holland said. “The Oklahoma Insurance Department will not tolerate unscrupulous activities in Oklahoma by persons who might attempt to take advantage of our senior citizens during this enrollment period.”

Holland said she encourages anyone who hears of misconduct by an insurance agent or volunteer enroller to contact the insurance department. The Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance and Claims Division may be reached at (405) 521-2991 or toll free at (800) 522-0071.

Topics Oklahoma