ODI Monthly Insurance Review Newsletter

Ohio Department of Insurance sent this bulletin at 10/31/2023 04:33 PM EDT

October | 2023

Health Insurance Open Enrollment

by Judith L. French, Director

Fall is an important time of year when it comes to health insurance. Many Ohioans are experiencing open enrollment opportunities to select their health insurance coverage for 2024. But whether choosing options from an employer, an Affordable Care Act exchange plan, a non-exchange plan, or Medicare, it is sometimes challenging to sort everything out.

The Ohio Department of Insurance is a valuable resource that can help Ohioans feel more informed and empowered when navigating open enrollment.

Our website is filled with educational health insurance information, including insights about employer-provided health insurance. Ohioans evaluating exchange plans and Medicare plans can also go to healthcare.gov and medicare.gov, respectively, for plan information and to enroll.

The department's insurance experts are available to answer your questions. You can reach the Consumer Services staff at consumer.services@insurance.ohio.gov or call 800-686-1526. For Medicare-specific questions, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) staff are available at oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov or by calling 800-686-1578. Also, I encourage Ohioans on Medicare to attend one of OSHIIP's Medicare Checkup events.

A listing of agents licensed in Ohio to sell health insurance products is also available through the Agent/Agency Locator tool on our website.

Director French Participates in School Bus Safety Working Group Meeting

Director French is participating in the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group.

She is one of 15 individuals Governor Mike DeWine selected to serve on the working group led by Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson.

The working group includes representatives from state agencies and associations, along with traffic safety partners, and advocates dedicated to making Ohio’s roadways safer.

New Distracted Driving Law Leads to Significant Decrease in Traffic Crashes

Governor Mike DeWine announced that traffic crashes have significantly decreased in the six months following the enactment of strengthened distracted driving laws in Ohio.

New preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows that distracted driving crashes hit a record low in September 2023 when compared to each month dating back at least to January 2018. Distracted driving crashes peaked in May 2018 with 1,383 crashes as compared to last month's low of 576 crashes.

ODI and NAIC Co-Host Cybersecurity Tabletop Exercise with Ohio Insurance Company Representatives

The Ohio Department of Insurance partnered with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to co-host a cybersecurity tabletop exercise with representatives from Ohio insurance companies. The purpose was to share industry best practices and gain perspective from state and federal regulators, as well as law enforcement.

Ohio law requires insurance companies to have plans to safeguard business and personal information from cyberattacks, and response plans in the event a cyberattack occurs. Insurance companies are required to investigate any incidents, report them and other relevant information to the department, and to notify those impacted by the incident. Ohio insurance companies are required to annually file their cybersecurity program information with the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Ohio was one of the first states in the country to implement cybersecurity reforms specific to insurance companies.

Director French Speaks to Insurance Organizations

Director French spoke at events held by the Association of Ohio Life Insurance Companies, Insurtech Ohio, and the Ohio Insurance Institute.

She shared the latest Ohio Department of Insurance news, stressed the importance of communication between the department and the insurance industry, and emphasized the value of both insurance startups and legacy insurance companies in Ohio's innovative and strong insurance marketplace.

OSHIIP Director Chris Reeg Testifies Before U.S. Senate About Deceptive Practices Targeting Ohioans on Medicare

Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Director Chris Reeg testified before the United States Senate Finance Committee in Washington, D.C. on the topic of “Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment: Cracking Down on Deceptive Practices and Improving Senior Experiences."

Reeg, in her 26th year with OSHIIP, said that Medicare consumers are overwhelmed with plan options and marketing and that they would benefit from stronger consumer protections. She suggested several solutions.

OSHIIP is part of the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Ohio 2022 Property and Casualty Market Share Report Released

The Ohio 2022 Property and Casualty Market Share Report is posted in the companies section on the Ohio Department of Insurance website. The report contains total market share data along with information about commercial lines, personal lines, medical professional liability, private passenger automobile, and homeowners multiple-peril.

Picture of lady looking shocked on computer

Don’t Get Scammed! Ohioans on Medicare Urged to Protect Against Scams During Open Enrollment

Ohioans on Medicare are urged to protect themselves against scams to take their personal information during Medicare's Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period to select coverage for 2024.

With the barrage of plan options and marketing pitches, it can be difficult to discern if something is legitimate or fraudulent. Ohioans on Medicare should be wary of any Medicare communication seeking personal information or money in exchange for help with Medicare enrollment or services.

Tips to help stay protected are available here.

Free and Unbiased Medicare Open Enrollment Plan Comparison Help is Available

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is providing free and unbiased Medicare insight, plan comparison, and enrollment assistance during Medicare's Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period for Ohioans to select coverage for 2024.

OSHIIP is conducting virtual and on-site Medicare Checkup events in communities across the state. Participants will learn Medicare fundamentals, what's new, how to compare plans, prescription drug coverage options, and ways to save money.

Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or
addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support.

50 West Town St, Columbus OH, 43215

Consumer Services 800-686-1526
Medicare info 800-686-1578 | Fraud & Enforcement 800-686-1527

insurance.ohio.gov

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