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Bill

SB 1626

Health insurance; prohibiting contract provisions; establishing violations; creating waiver; allowing subpoena; allowing administrative penalty; allowing denial of sale; prohibiting limitations of network. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Avery Frix

Oklahoma bill prohibits unspecified health insurance contract provisions and establishes penalties, waivers, and network limitations to regulate insurer practices.

Second Reading referred to Business and Insurance
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1626

Legislative bill overview

SB 1626 prohibits certain contract provisions in health insurance policies and establishes enforcement mechanisms including administrative penalties, denial of sales, and subpoena authority. The bill addresses network limitations and creates a waiver process for affected provisions. It becomes effective upon passage.

Why is this important

Health insurance contract terms directly affect coverage availability, cost, and patient access to care. This bill attempts to regulate insurer practices that may restrict networks or limit consumer protections, potentially impacting both insurance companies' operations and patients' healthcare access and affordability.

Potential points of contention

  • Specificity unclear: The bill title doesn't specify which contract provisions are prohibited, making it difficult to assess scope without full legislative language
  • Insurance industry concerns: Restrictions on contract provisions may increase administrative costs, limit underwriting flexibility, or affect premium pricing
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The administrative penalty structure and denial-of-sale authority could face legal challenges regarding due process and regulatory overreach
  • Network adequacy definition: "Prohibiting limitations of network" is vague—unclear whether this mandates unlimited networks, in-network requirements, or specific geographic coverage standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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