October 2022
Health Insurance Open Enrollment Has Arrived
by Judith L. French, Director
Health insurance open enrollment has arrived and it's one of the most important times of the year for Ohioans when it comes to managing their health insurance.
This is when most Ohioans have the opportunity to carefully evaluate the different health insurance options available to them and make an informed coverage selection for 2023. However, it can be a dizzying experience figuring out the best fit from both the healthcare and budgetary needs perspectives, but one that Ohioans don't have to tackle alone.
The Ohio Department of Insurance can help. As the state's official educational resource, we have health insurance materials available on our website, and our insurance experts are ready to answer any questions.
For consumers with employer-provided health insurance, this tip sheet is a nice starting point to get an overall sense of how to make the best choice for you and your family.
For those considering plans on the federal government's Ohio marketplace, plan information is available at healthcare.gov. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15.
Ohioans on Medicare have until Dec. 7 to make a coverage decision. Medicare experts from our Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program are conducting statewide Medicare Checkup events both virtually and on-site, and individual virtual counseling is also available to provide Medicare information, plan comparison, and enrollment assistance.
Those with Medicaid-related questions can visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid website.
To access our services, for non-Medicare health insurance assistance, call 800-686-1526 or email consumer.services@insurance.ohio.gov. For Medicare health insurance assistance, our OSHIIP Medicare experts are available at 800-686-1578 and oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov.
A listing of agents licensed in Ohio to sell health insurance products is also available through the Agent/Agency Locator tool on our website.
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Three Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls During Medicare Open Enrollment
During open enrollment, it's important for Ohioans on Medicare to carefully evaluate the different plan options and not feel pressured to make an impulsive decision.
Not all plans are created equal and some offers really can be too good to be true.
These tips will help shoppers spot misleading or fraudulent marketing and pick a Medicare plan that's the most suitable option.
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Youngstown Personal Injury Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Insurance Billings
Former attorney Anthony Fusco, of Youngstown, was sentenced on October 7 in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas to 18 months in prison for felony insurance fraud. A department investigation revealed that Fusco altered and inflated client medical bills in claim submissions to defraud insurance companies of nearly $1 million dollars.
Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It increases the cost of insurance for all Ohioans and fighting it is of great importance at the department. If you suspect insurance fraud or insurance professional wrongdoing, report it.
ODI Engagement with Ohio Insurance Stakeholders a Priority
Regular engagement with the different stakeholders in the Ohio insurance community is a priority for the Ohio Department of Insurance.
Director Judith L. French and department staff recently spoke at the Nationwide Financial Compliance and Legal Associate meeting, the Ohio Insurance Institute 2022 annual meeting, and the Ohio Association of Mutual Insurance Companies fall seminar to share insights and expectations from a regulator perspective, discuss insurance innovation in the state, keep a spotlight on insurance workforce demand and job growth, and much more.
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Ohio in Peak Season for Deer-Related Crashes
Ohioans should complete an insurance review with an insurance agent to ensure adequate insurance protection in the event of an accident.
New Opioid Awareness Campaign Targets Financial Advisers and Ohioans
The Ohio Department of Commerce recently launched its Recovery is Within Reach campaign to educate Ohioans and financial advisers about the opioid crisis and its financial impact on individuals and families. The campaign also provides resources to help Ohioans find affordable, accessible addiction treatment services and gives financial advisers the tools they need to assist their clients in navigating treatment for themselves and loved ones.
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New Driver Safety Tools Available for Ohio Teens
During National Teen Driver Safety Week in October, governor Mike DeWine announced that two new tools are now available for parents and driving school instructors to help better prepare young drivers who are still gaining experience behind the wheel.
New, localized traffic safety bulletins and an all-digital driver's permit packet can be found on the Ohio Traffic Safety Office's website.
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