KTUL-TV (Tulsa): Edmondson Works To Eliminate Domestic Violence As A 'Pre-Existing Condition'

posted 10/06/09 10:46 am

Oklahoma City - Oklahoma's attorney general says he is concerned about a recent study that indicates domestic violence can be considered a 'pre-existing condition' that allows insurance companies to deny insurance coverage for victims.

Oklahoma is one of seven states listed in the study by the National Women's Law Center. NewsChannel 8 reported the story Monday. State Attorney General Drew Edmondson says his office contacted Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland to discover if the study was in fact correct.

"She has informed us that domestic violence injuries are not singled out in statute as a 'class' that can be denied coverage based on pre-existing conditions," Edmondson said. "Unfortunately, our statutes lack language that specifically prohibit injuries from domestic violence from being classified as such."

Edmondson says what that means is insurance companies cannot ask a woman if she has suffered from domestic violence, then deny coverage based on the answer. But, a company could deny coverage, based on pre-existing condition, for injuries arising from a domestic violence assault.

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Also: Kansas City Star: Domestic violence as pre-existing condition? 8 states still allow it

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