February 2022
Consumer Protection
by Judith L. French, Director
Protecting insurance consumers is at the core of everything we do at the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Consumer Protection Week is March 6-12 and it gives us an opportunity to remind Ohioans how we serve and protect them, and to encourage Ohioans to take advantage of our educational information and services. We are a free and unbiased resource that consumers can depend on for help navigating the complexities of insurance and standing up for their rights.
Last year, we saved or recovered $34 million for insurance consumers, helping them resolve coverage and claim disputes, identify financial assistance programs, and outline suitable coverage options.
Our Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program saved Ohioans on Medicare $24 million, counseled more than 160,000 people, and an additional 61,000 people participated in the program's educational outreach. The department's Office of Consumer Affairs, which addresses automobile, homeowners, life, health, and other insurance type issues, saved consumers $9.9 million and handled 15,123 inquiries and 5,428 complaints.
We also conduct specific strategic initiatives to protect insurance consumers that involve robust educational material, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Several are underway addressing mental health and substance use disorder benefits, surprise medical billing, and emerging products and innovation.
While these are our direct-to-consumer actions, we also protect insurance consumers in other ways overseeing one of the world's largest insurance marketplaces. We license insurance companies and agents, monitor insurance industry financial solvency and business conduct, review insurance products and rates, and fight insurance fraud.
We are here to help insurance consumers. Visit our website, www.insurance.ohio.gov, to email our staff questions and to access our insurance guides, tips sheets, toolkits, and register for a webinar. You can also access our services, which include tools to determine the licensure status and any disciplinary actions against insurance agents, agencies, and companies, and to appeal the denial or reduction of a health or mental health insurance payout.
To talk with a department insurance expert, consumers should call 800-686-1526 and for Medicare help, 800-686-1578.
|
Mental Health in the Workplace Employer Toolkit
Today's workforce is under unique pressure that can lead to anxiety, feelings of instability, withdrawal, and the possible need for counseling and care.
The Ohio Department of Insurance recently launched an employer toolkit, in collaboration with RecoveryOhio and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, designed to promote mental health in the workplace and empower employers and employees for wellness success.
The toolkit includes meaningful information about mental health and substance use disorder insurance and navigating benefits.
|
Ohioans Urged to Review Property and Flood Insurance Needs
Ohio's Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 20-26. This is an ideal time for Ohioans to evaluate the adequacy of their property and personal belongings insurance, especially for flooding, for spring and summer risks.
Ohioans are encouraged to conduct a review with an agent, utilize the department's severe weather preparation and recovery toolkit, and contact the department with any insurance questions.
Fix a Leak Week in March
Did you know that leaks account for the amount of water to wash 300 loads of laundry in an average home every year?
Fixing leaks can save Ohio homeowners nearly ten percent on their water bills, and prevent expensive water damage and insurance claims.
Fix a Week Leak, March 14-20, is a reminder to check household plumbing fixtures for leaks.
|
National Association of Insurance Commissioners Identifies Regulatory Priorities for 2022
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has identified its regulatory priorities for 2022.
With significant input from the Ohio Department of Insurance, these priorities look at issues such as the implications of new and emerging technology on consumers, providing access to insurance to traditionally underserved communities, climate risk and its impact, and the evolving long-term care insurance market.
Virtual Town Hall Kicks Off “Welcome to Medicare” Outreach Campaign
Ohio Department of Insurance director Judith L. French and Medicare experts from the department's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program are hosting a “Welcome to Medicare” virtual town hall on March 29 at 11 a.m.
OSHIIP Medicare experts will provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, and coverage options.
Click here to sign-up for the town hall, which kicks off OSHIIP’s spring “Welcome to Medicare” statewide educational events.
|
