Okla. Stat. tit. 36, § 36-6060.5

A. This section shall be known and may be cited as the

"Oklahoma Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act".

B. Any health benefit plan that is offered, issued or renewed

in this state on or after January 1, 1998, that provides medical and

surgical benefits with respect to the treatment of breast cancer and

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 36. Insurance Page 1093

other breast conditions shall ensure that coverage is provided for

not less than forty-eight (48) hours of inpatient care following a

mastectomy and not less than twenty-four (24) hours of inpatient

care following a lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast

cancer.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the

provision of inpatient coverage where the attending physician in

consultation with the patient determines that a shorter period of

hospital stay is appropriate.

D. Any plan subject to subsection B of this section shall also

provide coverage for reconstructive breast surgery performed as a

result of a partial or total mastectomy. Because breasts are a

paired organ, any such reconstructive breast surgery shall include

coverage for all stages of reconstructive breast surgery performed

on a nondiseased breast to establish symmetry with a diseased breast

when reconstructive surgery on the diseased breast is performed,

provided that the reconstructive surgery and any adjustments made to

the nondiseased breast must occur within twenty-four (24) months of

reconstruction of the diseased breast.

E. In implementing the requirements of this section, a health

benefit plan may not modify the terms and conditions of coverage

based on the determination by an enrollee to request less than the

minimum coverage required pursuant to subsections B and D of this

section.

F. A health benefit plan shall provide notice to each insured

or enrollee under the plan regarding the coverage required by this

section in the evidence of coverage of the plan, and shall provide

additional written notice of the coverage to the insured or enrollee

as follows:

1. In the next mailing made by the plan to the employee;

2. As part of any yearly informational packet sent to the

enrollee; or

3. Not later than December 1, 1997;

whichever is earlier.

G. As used in this act, "health benefit plan" means any plan or

arrangement as defined in subsection C of Section 6060.4 of this

title.

H. The Insurance Commissioner shall promulgate any rules

necessary to implement the provisions of this section.