March 2022
This is Ohio's Time
by Judith L. French, Director
As Governor DeWine pronounced during his state-of-the-state address in March, "this is Ohio's time." Ohioans and Ohio businesses have persevered the last few years with strength and resiliency, and Ohio is poised to shine even brighter. Ohio is on a firmer financial footing ready to "seize the moment" with recent successes setting up tremendous opportunities to accomplish even more.
Some of the successes and opportunities for stronger support systems and growth important to the governor and Ohio, such as health care access, mental health support, economic growth, and technology impacts, have relevance to the world of insurance and are focal points at the Ohio Department of Insurance.
A new law that became effective in March permanently expanded telehealth access to more types of health care providers, including behavioral health providers. In addition, insurers are not permitted to impose a cost-sharing for telehealth services that exceeds the cost-sharing for the same service in-person. We encourage any consumer to contact us with questions if they are unsure about their benefits or cost-sharing requirements.
Mental health support is a top priority for the governor, and the department, as he has said we must make help for mental health and substance use disorders “visible, accessible, and effective in all communities of the state of Ohio." As part of that effort, the department, through various channels and partners, is helping Ohioans understand how to access and navigate their mental health insurance benefits to receive the care they need.
An attractive business environment is bringing companies to Ohio and driving economic growth and technological advancement, including in the insurance industry with the support of the department's Emerging Products and Innovation Initiative. Ohio's insurance industry, one of the state's strongest business sectors, produces some of the lowest insurance rates in the country for Ohio consumers and well-paying job opportunities are available across many different career paths.
We all play a part in shaping the "Great State of Ohio" and the state's insurance industry. I encourage you to contact us to share your thoughts. For more information about the department's activities, strategic initiatives, and to contact our different divisions, please visit our website.
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Surprise Billing Arbitration Portal Launched
An arbitration portal is available that health care providers and health insurers can utilize to resolve provider reimbursement disputes associated with surprise billing situations in Ohio.
A health care provider is permitted to initiate negotiations with a health insurer in lieu of accepting the initial reimbursement amount.
Maximus Federal Services is Ohio's designated arbitration entity for provider reimbursement disputes.
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Ohioans Urged to Evaluate Need for Flood Insurance
Ohioans are urged to conduct a spring insurance review, including evaluating the need for flood insurance. Just one inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 of damage to a home.
Flood insurance typically is not included in a standard property insurance policy. It has to be purchased separately.
Federal government information indicates that policyholders outside of designated high-risk flood areas file nearly half of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance claims and request one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding.
Agent Webinar Learning Series: Aspects of Flood Insurance
It is essential for property insurance agents to be informed about local flood risks to educate clients and ensure they have coverage to protect the lives they’ve built.
The federal government's National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) agent webinar learning series highlights the types of flood risks, marketing strategies, and valuable resources available for selling flood insurance and assisting current clients.
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Agents and Agencies Required to Update Contact Information
Insurance agents and agencies are reminded that Ohio law requires that license holders must update their Ohio license record with any address (including email addresses), phone number, or name change within 30 days of the change occurring.
License holders should update their address and personal contact information through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). Name changes must be made directly with the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Since state departments of insurance primarily communicate through email, license holders are urged to review and update their email addresses at least annually.
NAIC Center for Insurance Policy and Research
The National Association of Insurance Commissioner's Center for Insurance Policy and Research provides data and education to drive discussion and advance understanding of insurance issues among policymakers, insurance commissioners and other regulators, industry leaders, and academia. It conducts research and provides analysis on important insurance issues.
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Statewide Welcome to Medicare Educational Events Begin in April
Starting in April the department's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding a series of statewide spring "Welcome to Medicare" educational in-person and virtual events for Ohioans new to Medicare.
OSHIIP staff will provide an overview of Medicare coverage options, prescription drug coverage, supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines.
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