June 2022
The Ohio State Fair Returns
by Judith L. French, Director
The Ohio State Fair is back and like so many, the Ohio Department of Insurance staff cannot wait for it to start on July 27. The fair is a wonderful spectacle and a summer tradition for friends and families in the Buckeye State.
For decades the department has maintained a presence at the fair to be close to Ohioans. We engage fairgoers on insurance topics and explain how as a government consumer protection agency we address insurance questions and complaints.
Fairgoers can find us at multiple locations. Our main booth, with a focus on how we are a resource to help Ohioans navigate mental health insurance to access care, is in the Bricker Marketplace Building, near the food court.
Our Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Medicare experts are participating in the Ohio Department of Aging's "Well Beyond 60!" Expo on Senior Day Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. OSHIIP staff will provide free and objective Medicare information and one-on-one Medicare counseling.
Lastly, another special day that we are involved with is RecoveryOhio’s Mental Health Day on Aug. 5. Governor DeWine created the RecoveryOhio initiative to best coordinate the work of state departments, boards, and commissions to assist those in need of substance use support and mental health support. Behavioral health resources will be available at state agency booths, including ours.
I hope you get the opportunity to visit the fair this year. Stop by and see us if you do.
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Health Insurance Decision Appeals Process Has Recovered $34.1 Million for Ohioans
The Ohio Department of Insurance issued its latest report detailing the outcomes of a health insurance decision appeals process for Ohio consumers.
Since the 1999 enactment of Ohio’s external review law, 9,140 cases have been reviewed by the department and/or independent review organizations recovering more than $34.1 million in previously denied health care benefits and services for Ohio consumers.
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Understanding Health Coverage and External Review Appeals Process
The Ohio Department of Insurance has a toolkit on its website to help consumers and medical providers understand the process by which they can appeal an insurance company's health care benefits and services denial.
Those with questions about this process can call the department at 800-686-1526 and email consumer.services@insurance.ohio.gov.
Become an OSHIIP Volunteer
The department's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is seeking dedicated people to be volunteers in all parts of Ohio.
OSHIIP is the state's official resource for free and unbiased Medicare information and enrollment assistance.
Those who are interested will learn about Medicare in easy-to-use online training modules and have the satisfaction of taking part in a worthy cause helping others.
Visit this section of the department's website, call 800-686-1578, or email oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov for more information.
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Settling a Homeowners Insurance Claim
Settling a homeowners insurance claim can be complicated. Learn how an insurance company's settlement estimate is calculated, what to do if you disagree with the settlement, how payment is distributed, and how your mortgage lender may be involved.
Compliance Reminder: License Application Questions Must Be Answered Accurately
The Ohio Department of Insurance reminds insurance applicants and license holders, which include agents and agencies, that it is a requirement to answer all questions asked on department license applications accurately. Providing incorrect, misleading, incomplete, or materially untrue information on a license application is an insurance law violation and is grounds for denial of an application or suspension or revocation of an existing license.
License holders are responsible for the accuracy of all information reported even if someone else submits an application, such as company licensing personnel, on a license holder’s behalf. Prior to submitting an application, the answers to all questions should be reviewed for accuracy.
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