Okla. Lawmakers: Halt Denial of Claims to Domestic Violence Victims

Oklahoma is one of only eight states that allow health insurance companies to classify domestic violence as a “pre-existing condition,” two state lawmakers say.

Democratic state Rep. Eric Proctor and Republican state Sen. Randy Brogdon are calling for an end to what they call the “immoral practice” of classifying domestic violence as a pre-existing condition.

In Oklahoma, currently there is no law protecting survivors of domestic violence from being denied insurance coverage, as a result of domestic abuse.

“Banning insurers from using domestic violence as a pre-existing condition is a common sense solution,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso. “We must work together to help folks, not make their lives more difficult.”

The bipartisan effort will stop the practice of denying health insurance to battered women, because of domestic violence.

“Regardless of party, everyone can agree that this is the right thing to do. Our moral obligation to protect life demands action,” said Proctor, D-Tulsa. “Our mothers, sisters, and daughters depend on us to do the right thing. They need not worry about being denied insurance coverage, when they are trying to rebuild their lives.”

Proctor added, “When this bill becomes law, survivors of domestic violence will no longer fear being denied care.”

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm recently said he would seek changes in that state’s laws to prevent companies from denying claims from victims of domestic violence as well.

Source: Oklahoma State Legislature, www.lsb.state.ok.us

Topics Legislation Claims Oklahoma