January 2023
The Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office
by Judith L. French, Director
The mental wellness of Ohioans is a major priority for Governor DeWine and for us at the Department of Insurance.
The governor recently said: "We are ridding Ohio of the stigma that comes with addiction and mental illness -- and we will transform Ohio into the best state in the nation for mental health treatment, research, and mental health prevention."
Transformative traction is indeed underway, and furthermore, the Ohio General Assembly has appropriated millions of dollars in funds to support more of Governor DeWine's transformative mental health initiatives.
That progress includes the governor, hours into his second term, signing an executive order officially establishing the Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) within the Department of Insurance to help Ohioans identify and utilize their mental health and addiction insurance benefits. Insurance is the main gateway to receiving care.
Staff from the Department of Insurance and the new MHIA office, which began its work last summer, protects consumers through education and vigilant regulation of insurers’ compliance with insurance requirements.
MHIA office staff helps individuals, families, employers, mental health advocates, healthcare and behavioral health professionals, and many other stakeholders understand how to identify the mental health and substance use disorder benefits that may be in a person's health insurance plan, and how to access those benefits to receive care.
Whether someone has health insurance through an employer, a government program, purchased it directly through an insurance agent, or is uninsured, office staff can help. MHIA office staff also triage inquiries with other regulatory agencies for health insurance that is not regulated by the Department of Insurance.
An information and services hub on our website at insurance.ohio.gov/getmhia has quickly become a popular resource for consumers, healthcare and behavioral health professionals, advocates, and employers. MHIA staff are conducting educational outreach, including webinars, conferences, and training; and are available at 855-GET-MHIA (855-438-6442) or getmhia@insurance.ohio.gov, to answer your mental health insurance questions.
As you can tell, we are quite active in the mental health and addiction insurance space, and I urge you to reach out if you need assistance. We are proud to be part of this important work to help Ohioans and are looking forward to even more transformative outcomes ahead.
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NAIC Names Committee and Task Force Leadership for 2023
Ohio Department of Insurance director Judith L. French was named chair of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance and Annuities Committee, highlighting the selection of department staff to 20 NAIC committee and task force leadership roles in 2023.
“I consider it an honor to represent Ohio and collaborate with fellow insurance regulators on so many critical issues that help ensure insurance marketplace competition and consumer protection in Ohio and the rest of the country,” said French, also chosen for the Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Technology Committee.
The Life Insurance and Annuities Committee focuses on issues around the underwriting, pricing, and suitability aspects of life insurance and annuity products. The Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Technology Committee addresses cybersecurity, innovation, data security, and privacy protections in insurance.
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February is Insurance Careers Month
There has never been a better time to consider an insurance career in Ohio. The insurance industry has a workforce retiring at a rapid rate, creating ample opportunities for entry and career advancement. The insurance industry is also experiencing steady growth, creating many opportunities for job seekers!
Visit insurancecareers.org for more information.
Former Insurance Agent Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Customers
A former insurance agent pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to defrauding dozens of customers in the Cincinnati and Dayton area by creating life insurance policies in their names without their knowledge and then cashing in on the sales commissions. The Ohio Department of Insurance was a key member of the investigative team.
Seneca Birchmore, of Cincinnati, admitted to committing aggravated identity theft, a federal crime punishable by a mandatory two-year prison sentence. Birchmore also fraudulently obtained two COVID Paycheck Protection Program loans.
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Spot the Warning Signs of Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It costs businesses billions of dollars each year -- an expense that is passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums. Learn how to spot the warning signs of fraud to protect yourself.
Don’t ignore the warning signs: Red flags can include an insurance company or agent that does not have a phone number or is hard to reach. Another warning is if you purchase a policy and do not receive an insurance ID card or a copy of your policy in a timely manner.
If you have doubts: Stop before signing any paperwork or paying your premium. Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance at consumer.services@insurance.ohio.gov or 800-686-1526 and confirm the company or agent offering insurance is legitimate and licensed to sell insurance in Ohio. Legitimate agents and insurers will understand why you’re taking precautions.
If you are a victim of insurance fraud or aware of fraudulent activity, take action: Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance's Fraud & Enforcement division at 800-686-1527 or visit our website to file a complaint.
Insights to Jumpstart a New Year Insurance Review
Ohioans are reminded that reviewing insurance protections and comparison-shopping insurance options are big parts of financial wellness to not overlook.
“Completing an insurance review and evaluating different insurance products presents opportunities to potentially lower your insurance expenses while also making sure you have insurance coverage that aligns with your financial protection needs,” Ohio Department of Insurance director Judith L. French said.
These insurance insights can help jumpstart a new year insurance review.
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Two Medicare Enrollment Periods Open Through March 31
Ohioans on Medicare that did not sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Part B (medical insurance) during their initial enrollment period, and do not qualify for a special enrollment period, can sign up for Medicare during the Jan. 1 to March 31 general enrollment period. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after signing up.
For Ohioans with a Medicare Advantage Plan, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, also from Jan. 1 to March 31, provides an opportunity to switch back to Original Medicare or change to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
Staff from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, which is part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, are available at 800-686-1578 and oshiipmail@insurance.ohio to answer any questions.
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