April 2023
No Wrong-Door-Approach to Helping Consumers
by Judith L. French, Director
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and another opportunity for us at the Ohio Department of Insurance to let Ohioans know that we are here to help them navigate their mental health insurance benefits to access care.
There is no doubt that insurance can be confusing but our Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) staff provides consumers with a no-wrong-door approach to addressing their mental health insurance questions and concerns. This means that whatever the issue, even if it is about Medicaid, Medicare, or a self-insured employer plan, which are mostly outside our regulatory jurisdiction, MHIA staff work to get answers for consumers.
Another avenue for valuable information is our MHIA website. It is filled with dynamic educational insights, tips, toolkits, and more, including content specifically geared toward consumers, employers, mental health advocates, and health care and behavioral health providers.
Since their first day in office, the DeWine-Husted administration has focused on mental health support and services for every Ohioan. That work is now more important than ever, and staff from the Ohio Department of Insurance and its MHIA Office are working each day to assist Ohioans who need support navigating insurance to access care.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. MHIA staff are available at 855-GET-MHIA (855-438-6442) and getmhia@insurance.ohio.gov.
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TeamOhio State Agency Job Fair May 5
With more than 20 state agencies participating, the job fair provides Ohio residents the perfect forum to learn more about state government employment opportunities and how candidates can bring their skills to TeamOhio.
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In-Demand Jobs Week May 1-5
Ohio's sixth annual In-Demand Jobs Week runs May 1-5, and 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 someone is 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, technology, underwriting and analysis, and more.
Find an insurance career that matches your interests and skills. Search here for jobs that are available in Ohio.
Statewide Welcome to Medicare Educational Events Underway
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding a series of statewide spring "Welcome to Medicare" in-person and virtual educational events in May, which is Older Americans Month, and June for Ohioans new to Medicare.
OSHIIP staff provides an overview of Medicare coverage options, prescription drug coverage, supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines.
OSHIIP is an Ohio Department of Insurance program.
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Former Insurance Agent Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Customers
A joint investigative effort involving the Ohio Department of Insurance resulted in the sentencing of a former insurance agent in U.S. District Court to two years in prison for defrauding dozens of victims in the Cincinnati and Dayton area.
Seneca Birchmore, 45, of Cincinnati, committed aggravated identity theft. Birchmore also fraudulently obtained two COVID Paycheck Protection Program loans. As part of his sentence, Birchmore is ordered to pay nearly $147,000 in restitution.
If you suspect or are aware of insurance fraud involving a consumer or an insurance professional, report it to the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800-686-1527 or insurance.ohio.gov.
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What the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Means for Health Insurance Coverage
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is expected to end the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
This informational document provides insight into what changes to expect, what may stay the same, and where to go for more information.
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Ohio's Average Annual Auto Insurance Premium is Cheapest in Nation
A recent national analysis of the average annual auto insurance premium for each state ranks Ohio as having the cheapest average premium in the country this year. The Ohio average is $1,023 compared to the national average of $1,644.
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