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Committed to Insurance Workforce Development
by Judith L. French, Director
At the Ohio Department of Insurance, we know how important insurance workforce development is in keeping Ohio at the forefront of the insurance industry, both nationally and globally.
Ohio's insurance industry, one of the state's biggest job creators and economic drivers, is growing and seeing many retirements. A recent workforce study by Regionomics predicts 108,000 new positions by 2031.
We are teaming up with Governor DeWine's Office of Workforce Transformation, JobsOhio, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and other partners to help attract and develop a skilled workforce at all levels. From interns and young professionals to career changers and those looking to upskill, initiatives like Insuring Ohio Futures have government and industry leaders working to keep Ohio a top choice for innovative, rewarding, and well-paying insurance careers.
As part of this effort, the Ohio Department of Insurance recently hosted a forum for interns from Ohio insurance companies, agencies, and the department, giving them a peek into the insurance world and career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. We are also taking our "Ohio, The Heart of Insurance" tour across the state, which includes sharing our insurance workforce development vision and efforts and gathering feedback. Engaging with stakeholders is vital to understanding industry needs and aligning our strategies accordingly.
The Ohio Department of Insurance is committed to insurance workforce development. For guidance on exploring academic programs, leveraging transferable skills, understanding career paths, and finding job opportunities in Ohio’s insurance industry, please visit our website. Additionally, I welcome any thoughts or ideas you may have on enhancing insurance workforce development in Ohio.
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Ohio Department of Insurance Hosts Educational Forum for Interns
The Ohio Department of Insurance held a half-day educational forum for interns from Ohio insurance companies, agencies, and the department in July. Approximately 15 college students attended the event to gain insights into the state's insurance industry, learn about the department’s functions, and understand career paths in the sector.
Department staff facilitated a lively and interactive session, and Director French addressed the interns, emphasizing the significance of Ohio's insurance industry and the impactful role of public service in the insurance sector.
Department staff explained their divisions' functions, shared their career journeys, and engaged in a Q&A session with the interns, who were also taken on a tour of the Ohio Statehouse.
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OSHIIP Director and Volunteer Earn National Honors, Program also Achieves Highest National Marks
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Director Chris Reeg and Dayton-area Volunteer Connie Blum received national honors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at a national conference in New Orleans. Part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, OSHIIP is the state's official Medicare educational and counseling assistance program.
Reeg received the 2024 SHIP Leadership Award while Blum was named the 2024 Outstanding SHIP Volunteer. The awards were started last year in memory of Mike Klug, a career Medicare expert with a long history of working with and for SHIPs. SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Nominations were open to candidates from the 54 U.S. states and territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.
In addition, the federal government recently unveiled its latest national ratings for SHIP programs and OSHIIP achieved the highest national marks across the five performance measures: client contacts, outreach efforts, interactions with Medicare beneficiaries, engagement with hard-to-reach populations, and enrollment initiatives.
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RecoveryOhio's Mental Health Day at the Ohio State Fair a Success
Staff from the Ohio Department of Insurance's Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office, along with Butter D. Cow and government partners, were at the Ohio State Fair to engage fairgoers about the behavioral health services available to them and their loved ones during RecoveryOhio's Mental Health Day on July 26.
Directors Aimee Shadwick (RecoveryOhio), Judith L. French (Ohio Department of Insurance), and LeeAnne Cornyn (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services) were on hand to support this very special day.
Governor Mike DeWine launched the RecoveryOhio initiative to tackle substance use disorders and mental illness by uniting state departments, boards, and commissions, ensuring the health and well-being of all Ohioans.
If you plan to visit the fair, which runs through Aug. 4, stop by the department's booth near the foot court in the Bricker Marketplace Building.The fair provides a great opportunity for department staff to interact with Ohioans about the important world of insurance.
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Only About 1 in 4 Gen Z Adults Can Define 'Deductible' and 'Co-Pay'
A new survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found just over 1 in 4 Gen Z adults could correctly identify the insurance terms "deductible" (27%) and "copay" (29%). A higher percentage (36%) said they could identify "out of pocket," while only 19% said they could define "out of network." The survey also found 22% of Gen Z respondents have little or no awareness of the importance of auto insurance, and 14% have little or no awareness of the importance of health insurance.
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Beware of Package Protection Insurance Scams
Beware of unlicensed, unauthorized, and potentially fake companies and individuals that try to sell “package protection coverage” for lost, stolen, or damaged packages. Unlicensed entities are not legally allowed to sell insurance products and may claim these products are warranties, guarantees, or protection plans. Here is how to protect against this scam.
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The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE.
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