|
May | 2023
Realizing the Dream of Homeownership
by Judith L. French, Director
June is Homeownership Month and the Ohio Department of Insurance is partnering with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and Ohio Department of Commerce to make Ohioans aware of the important resources these government entities provide to help Ohioans realize the dream of homeownership.
Ohioans will find information about down payment assistance, buying real estate, a public registry of licensed real estate professionals, insurance, and much more at MyOhioHome.org to serve as the perfect companion on the sometimes daunting homeownership journey.
The Ohio Department of Insurance maintains a library of educational homeowners insurance information at insurance.ohio.gov. In addition, our Consumer Services representatives are ready to answer insurance questions and address insurance complaints. They can be reached at 800-686-1526 and consumer.services@insurance.ohio.gov.
Another crucial resource is an insurance agent. I urge Ohioans to talk with friends and family for recommendations and utilize the agent locator tool on our website to find the best agent for help determining and securing appropriate insurance protection.
Obtaining homeownership takes planning and persistence, and the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Department of Commerce, and Ohio Department of Insurance are here to help Ohioans turn that dream into reality.
|
 |
Director French Joined Governor DeWine and Other Leaders to Discuss Mental Health
Ohio Department of Insurance Director Judith L. French participated in a mental health roundtable discussion last week with Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Lori Criss, representatives from the Ohio Business Roundtable, and many Central Ohio chief executive officers.
Director French detailed steps the Ohio Department of Insurance is taking to help Ohioans identify what mental health insurance benefits may be in their health plan through the department's newly formed Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office. She also discussed the department’s Mental Health Employer Toolkit, designed to assist employers and employees in promoting mental health in the workplace and provide helpful information on navigating mental health and substance use disorder insurance benefits.
|
Ohio Mental Health Parity Annual Report
The Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and RecoveryOhio jointly report each year on engagement activity with consumers, payers, and other stakeholders, and identify mental health insurance access and coverage trends and barriers.
The Ohio Department of Insurance handled 7,271 total complaints with 2,837 specific to accident and health insurance in 2022. Of those accident and health insurance complaints, 17 were related to coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services.
New Educational Video Explains Compliance Requirements for Surety Bail Bond Agents
The Ohio Department of Insurance created an educational video to explain the requirements that surety bail bond agents licensed to do business in the state must meet under Ohio law.
The goal of the 30-minute video is to help make the surety bail bond agent community aware of the current compliance requirements, including those relating to business conduct, and better understand the applicable laws.
|
Five Trending Issues OSHIIP Can Help Ohioans on Medicare Address
Ohioans on Medicare are urged to contact the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) for help when it comes to five currently trending Medicare issues: Medicare benefits post COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, new Medicare scams, essential Medicare basics and deadlines, Medicare Advantage “extra benefits” and coverage limitations, and Medicaid redeterminations for coverage eligibility.
OSHIIP counseled and educated nearly 600,000 people and saved Ohioans on Medicare $46 million last year by helping them identify suitable coverage options and financial assistance. OSHIIP's services and information are free and unbiased
10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Contractor Fraud
After damaging weather, home repair contractors often go door-to-door to offer roofing, siding, and other repair services. While most contractors are reputable, there are some dishonest contractors who prey on consumers eager to quickly get their property and lives back in order.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim before hiring a contractor.
- Make sure the contractor you hire is legitimate.
-
Know the warning signs of a bad business.
-
Don’t pay in full upfront.
- Get an estimate from at least three different contractors.
-
Learn the difference between “licensed” and “registered.”
- Be cautious about signing an assignment of benefits.
-
Get a written contract.
- Obtain the contractor’s essential business information.
-
Educate yourself about the property damage recovery process and insurance.
Contractor Fraud Awareness Week was May 22-26, and the Ohio Department of Insurance shared tips to help Ohioans protect themselves and their hard-earned money.
|
|
|
|
