Residents of Jasper and Newton counties are receiving emergency protection from insurance rate hikes or policy cancellations following an executive order signed by Gov. Jay Nixon May 26.
“My order today ensures continuity of insurance coverage and rates for residents affected by the destruction in Joplin,” Gov. Nixon said in a news release. “Many consumers in the affected area, understandably, may have difficulty accessing their insurance and financial records, and making their premium payments on time. The last thing they need to deal with immediately after such a devastating disaster is having their rates increased or having to obtain new insurance because they lost their current coverage.”
The executive order calls for the following temporary protections and guarantees:
• Prohibits insurance companies from increasing rates on any policy starting on or after May 22;
• Prohibits insurance companies from terminating coverage for any reason;
• Requires insurance companies to provide copies of policies to consumers at no charge; and
• Requires insurance companies to cover the cost of a prescription, for consumers with prescription drug coverage, even if the consumer had it filled recently.
The executive order is in effect through June 20 unless it gets extended, according to Travis Ford, communication's director for the Missouri Department of Insurance.
Nixon also signed three other executive orders May 26 designed to help residents affected by the May 22 Joplin tornado.
The governor directed the Missouri National Guard to manage the removal of debris left in the wake of the storm. That order allows additional military personnel to be called into active duty and utilize equipment as necessary to complete the mission.
Also, out-of-state physicians will be allowed to practice in Missouri and pharmacists can provide essential medication for those people who have lost their medical records.
In addition, citizens who have lost driver’s licenses and other state documents will be able to obtain replacements at no charge from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
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