Juneau -- Rep. Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage) today introduced House Bill 158, which would change the way Alaskans over 67 years of age are notified about cancellation of automobile or other personal insurance policies.

"Many older Alaskans need more than just a first-class notice mailed to them concerning possible cancellation of a personal insurance policy." Rokeberg said.

Currently, an insurance company must make a mailing at least 30 days before cancellation, except if for nonpayment of premium, which requires that notice be made 20 days before cancellation. If cancellation is for such items as suspended or revoked driver's license, the notice must be made at least 10 days before cancellation. All of these mailing are by first-class mail.

"Under my legislation, the current system would remain in place for those under 67 years of age," Rokeberg said. "But for those over 67 years of age, the system would be a notice 60 days out then 30 days out and the last notice, by certified mail, 10 days out."

Additionally, the legislation would permit the Division of Insurance to gather information about the number of individual and group health policies sold in Alaska.

"Legislators have been trying for years to figure out how many Alaskans are covered by various types of health insurance" Rokeberg said. "This number is important for many reasons -- not the least of which is when we are considering legislation concerning health insurance."

House Bill 158 is currently before the House Labor & Commerce Committee, which Rokeberg chairs.

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