OKLAHOMA CITY – State Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready confirms that COVID-19 vaccinations will not affect a policyholder’s life insurance benefits.
He also urged Oklahoma consumers to be cautious about social media misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. Social media posts have falsely indicated that getting a COVID-19 vaccine could threaten life insurance coverage, claiming the vaccines are experimental and not tested for safety.
“This is simply not true,” Mulready said. “Whether it’s Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson, these vaccines received Emergency Use Authorizations after the Food and Drug Administration determined their safety and efficacy. I assure you that getting a COVID-19 vaccine will not impact your life insurance benefits.”
Tyler Laughlin, regional vice president of the American Council of Life Insurers, agreed.
“Life insurance policies are very clear on what might cause your insurer to deny a benefit,” Laughlin said. “Policyholders should rest assured that nothing has changed in the claims-paying process as a result of COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Mulready encourages Oklahomans to contact their insurer if they have any questions or concerns about the details of their life insurance policies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.55 million doses of anti-coronavirus medicine had been administered in Oklahoma as of March 19. More than 811,000 prime doses had been administered, and more than 448,000 Oklahomans had completed the series of vaccinations, by March 17, the CDC reported.
Oklahoma recorded 434,491 cases of COVID-19, and 7,673 deaths from the coronavirus, as of March 19, the Oklahoma State Department of Health announced.