April 2022
Mental Health Awareness Month
by Judith L. French, Director
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and employees continue to be under unique challenges and pressure, which can cause feelings of anxiety, instability, withdrawal, and the need for counseling and care. The Ohio Department of Insurance has resources available to help employers help employees navigate this delicate situation.
Our newly created Mental Health in the Workplace Employer Toolkit provides insights and turnkey information that employers can utilize to promote mental health wellness success, reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges, and explain mental health and substance use disorder insurance benefits so employees are empowered to access treatment.
We created the toolkit with input from employers across the state and also in collaboration with RecoveryOhio — Governor DeWine's initiative focused on more effective prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes for Ohioans — and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
I encourage employers to use the toolkit content for their own knowledge building and for distribution through employee communication channels.
In the toolkit, employers will find:
- Information to better understand mental health and substance use disorders.
- Tips for how employers can support employee mental health.
- Tools for employers to help employees engage in workplace mental health wellness programs and activities.
- Background on what insurance benefits employers are legally required to provide to employees for mental health care.
- Tips to help employees understand their mental health insurance benefits.
Please contact the department at 614-644-3354 with any questions you may have about the toolkit content. We also provide direct educational services to employer leadership, human resources, and employee benefits staff.
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Insurance Jobs are In-Demand
Ohio's fifth annual In-Demand Jobs Week is May 2-6. And guess what? Insurance jobs are in demand!
The Ohio insurance industry is one of the largest employers in Ohio, a mainstay of the economy, and dynamic well-paying opportunities in different career paths are available.
Whether you are a student, career changer, or veteran, there are opportunities in fields such as administration, claims, finance, human resources, law and regulation, marketing and communications, operations, sales and products, technology, underwriting and analysis, and more!
Take this insurance career survey to find career paths that match your interests and skills. Search here for jobs that are available in Ohio. The insurance industry offers careers that are stable, provide advancement opportunities, and allow you to make a difference for Ohioans.
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Insurance Scholarship Foundation Launched
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners announced the creation of the NAIC Foundation to help individuals obtain skills relevant to the regulation and business of insurance.
Scholarships will be awarded to students to fund a college education, internships, and apprenticeships.
The NAIC Foundation stands for New Avenues in Insurance Careers and will provide financial support to enable students to pursue a fulfilling insurance career either in government or the insurance industry.
Ohio’s Average Homeowners and Auto Insurance Premiums Among Lowest
Ohio insurance consumers pay among the lowest average homeowners and automobile insurance premiums in the country, according to the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Ohioans paid an average of $853 (seventh lowest) for homeowners insurance and $802 (11th lowest) for auto insurance in 2019. Those figures compare to the national averages of $1,272 and $1,070, respectively, saving hundreds of dollars annually on average for Ohio insurance consumers.
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Ohioans Encouraged to Become Empowered Insurance Consumers
During Financial Literacy Month in April, Director French urged Ohioans to take advantage of the department's educational information and support services to become empowered insurance consumers. French shared how Ohioans can become wiser insurance consumers with the department's help.
The department assists thousands of insurance consumers annually by answering questions, providing educational materials, and investigating their insurance complaints
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.
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Statewide Welcome to Medicare Educational Events Underway
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 through June.
OSHIIP staff provides an overview of Medicare coverage options, prescription drug coverage, supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines.
Televised Phone Bank to Help Those on Medicare and Medicaid
Youngstown-area residents on both Medicare and Medicaid can participate in a live phone bank on May 19 from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. for help understanding insurance coverage options and benefits.
The phone bank is hosted by the department's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) and will be aired on WKBN 27. Call 866-782-4581 to ask questions during the phone bank.
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NAIC Celebrates 150 Years in 2021 Annual Report
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) released its 2021 annual report. The report looks at the successes and obstacles the NAIC has faced in its 15-decade history and discusses the organization's strategic priorities and financial performance for 2021.
In an uncertain year, the NAIC focused on fundamentals by equipping insurance regulators with data, expertise, and tools to navigate the pandemic and other challenges.
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