January 2022
A Special Day for Consumers
by Judith L. French, Director
One year ago, Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio's surprise billing law, and this January it became effective. Ohioans can no longer be charged for medical care above their in-network insurance rates when treatment decisions are beyond their control.
This includes out-of-network emergency situations and when out-of-network health care providers are working at in-network medical facilities.
The department, which collaborated with stakeholders to create rules making the law operational, is responsible for administering and enforcing many of the law’s provisions and addressing complaints from consumers who receive surprise medical bills.
We are conducting outreach activities to help consumers understand their new rights as patients. In addition, we created a surprise medical billing toolkit to help consumers, health care providers, health insurers, and other stakeholders learn about the law and its requirements, and access the department’s surprise billing services.
Now that the federal (Jan.1) and state laws are effective, consumers should no longer receive surprise medical bills. If they do, they should file a complaint with the department for us to look into the matter. I urge anyone with questions or concerns to contact us at 800-686-1526, consumer.complaint@insurance.ohio.gov, or through our website insurance.ohio.gov. I also encourage health care providers and members of the insurance industry who have questions to reach out to us.
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Ohio Department of Insurance Selected for National Organization Leadership Roles
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an organization that provides expertise, data, and analysis for state insurance regulators to effectively regulate the insurance industry and protect consumers, has selected the Ohio Department of Insurance for committee and task force leadership roles in 2022. Director Judith L. French will chair the Life Insurance and Annuities Committee and is a member of the new Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Technology Committee.
February is Insurance Careers Month
Ohio is a leading insurance state in many categories, including the number of insurance companies doing business here, and the number of people working in the insurance industry in the state.
February is Insurance Careers Month and a perfect time to highlight the many rewarding career path opportunities that are available in Ohio for students entering the workforce, career changers, and veterans. Visit www.insurancecareers.org for more information.
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Resources Available for Prospective and Licensed Ohio Insurance Agents
Interested in becoming an insurance agent in Ohio and need to know more about the licensure testing process? Are you already an agent, and are not quite sure of your exact continuing education requirements? Get answers to these questions and other important agent-related information in this section of our website.
Two Medicare Enrollment Periods Open Through March 31
Ohioans on Medicare that did not sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Part B (medical insurance) during their initial enrollment period, and do not qualify for a special enrollment period, can sign up for Medicare during the Jan. 1 to March 31 general enrollment period. Coverage begins on July 1 and enrollees may have to pay a higher Part A and/or Part B premium for late enrollment.
Ohioans with a Medicare Advantage Plan, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, also from Jan. 1 to March 31, provides an opportunity to switch back to Original Medicare or change to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
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Upcoming Deadline for Domestic Insurers to File Cybersecurity Program
The deadline for Ohio domestic insurers (companies licensed and headquartered in the state) to make their annual cybersecurity program filing with the Ohio Department of Insurance is fast approaching.
All domestic insurers are required to certify the existence of an information security program or file a notice of exemption, per Ohio's cybersecurity law.
Single-state domestic insurers are required to file their certification or exemption notices by June 1. Multi-state domestic insurers are required to file their certification or exemption notices by Feb. 15.
Filings can be submitted electronically by signing into OHID.Ohio.gov and clicking the information security compliance link.
Deadline for Insurers to Submit Mental Health Parity Compliance Filings is Feb. 28
Insurers that offer Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant major medical plans in the individual and/or small group markets are required to submit their Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) compliance filings by Feb. 28.
A toolkit with compliance filing instructions, an educational compliance video, background information about the law, and a link to contact the department with questions is available here.
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Mental Health Insurance Benefits Webinars Announced
Consumer Tips for Understanding Mental Health Insurance Benefits
This live webinar hosted by the Ohio Department of Insurance will explain how the department regulates Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder benefits, help participants figure out what type of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder benefits are in their health plan, and provide a tutorial so that you can use the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits tools and resources on the department's website including how to file a complaint with the department, as well as how to appeal a denied claim. Register here!
Understanding Mental Health Insurance Benefits for Healthcare Professionals
This live webinar hosted by the Ohio Department of Insurance is geared toward behavioral health providers, billing staff, and other administrative professionals and will explain how the department regulates Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder benefits and provide a tutorial of the department's Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits tools and resources on the department's website including how to file a complaint with the department, as well as how to appeal a denied claim. Register here!
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