Ala. Commissioner Asks Carriers for 60 Day Grace Period

Alabama’s Insurance Commissioner Walter Bell has asked all insurers in his state to provide a 60 day grace period for customers who have claims related to Hurricane Katrina to prevent the cancellation of policies from late payments.

Bell also requested health insurance companies to waive restrictions regarding out-of-network doctors and prescription services. Bell says insurers should reimburse health care providers at their contracted network rate or highest benefit level–whichever is higher. He says the purpose is to limit the out-of-pocket expense to victims.

Policy provisions regarding co-payments, deductible or co-insurance do not change. Bell said an “overwhelming majority” of insurance companies have already instituted some kind of grace period. The changes are retroactive to Aug. 29th and expire after Oct. 29th.