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Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Support Awareness
by Judith L. French, Director
September marks National Recovery Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate those in recovery, and promote understanding throughout Ohio. This year, RecoveryOhio and its partners introduced a digital toolkit aimed at empowering communities statewide to support this important initiative.
Mental health and substance use disorders affect 1 in 5 Ohioans, making it crucial to provide clear, accessible information about available resources. The toolkit includes a wide range of digital assets designed to spread the message of recovery. These resources are crafted to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, encouraging more individuals to seek the support they need for treatment.
The Ohio Department of Insurance plays a pivotal role in this effort through its Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA). MHIA is committed to empowering individuals and families in Ohio to best navigate behavioral health benefits provided in their health insurance plan.
During National Recovery Month, let us champion mental health and substance use recovery and raise awareness of available resources to support Ohioans in finding the care they need.
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Ohio Insurance Modernization Law Enacted
Ohio has modernized its insurance laws and regulations with the passage of Senate Bill 175, a comprehensive reform aimed at enhancing the state’s insurance regulatory and business environments. These updates strengthen consumer protection while fostering a stable business climate that encourages innovation within the insurance sector. Ohio is positioning itself to stay responsive to a changing insurance marketplace and as a leading insurance state.
Key provisions include the adoption of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model act on pet insurance, establishing a clear legal framework for this growing market. The law also grants the Ohio Department of Insurance flexibility in meeting the NAIC’s rigorous accreditation standards by exempting the department from the state's rule reduction mandate. The NAIC is a national standard-setting organization governed by insurance regulators from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to ensure coordinated regulation of insurers. Accreditation requires states to adopt consistent NAIC model laws, regulations, and requirements that form the foundation of the U.S. insurance financial solvency framework.
Additional reforms in the law streamline administrative processes, allowing the Ohio Department of Insurance to issue certain notices electronically, revise filing requirements, adjust premium taxes, and address confidentiality, claims processing, and the management of insurance programs such as the Ohio Fair Plan and Ohio Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association.
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ODI Issues Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Report
The Ohio Department of Insurance has issued its fiscal year 2023-2024 annual report. The report showcases the department's commitment to consumer protection and fostering a competitive insurance marketplace. It also highlights the department's key priorities and objectives, recent accomplishments, and includes insurance company financial information.
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Statewide Events Underway to Prepare Ohioans for Medicare Open Enrollment
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) has launched its annual statewide Medicare Checkup events to help Ohioans prepare for Medicare’s fall open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, for 2025 coverage. OSHIIP, part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, offers virtual and in-person events, providing insight about Medicare coverage. These events include information on Medicare basics, plan comparisons, prescription coverage, financial assistance, and cost-saving tips.
Before Oct. 15, the focus is on educational presentations, while after the enrollment period starts, personalized plan comparisons and one-on-one counseling will be available. With annual changes in plans, it is essential to review benefits, costs, and coverage details. Medicare’s 2025 plan information will be available on Oct. 1 at medicare.gov.
Ohioans can find the full Medicare Checkup events schedule, search by county, and register for events at insurance.ohio.gov. For personalized assistance, Ohioans can schedule virtual appointments, contact OSHIIP via email at oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov, and call 800-686-1578.
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Former Columbus Bail Bond Agent Sentenced for Felony Theft
Former bail bond agent Erica Brim, of Columbus, was sentenced in the Fairfield County Common Pleas Court to three years of community control for felony theft. Brim was also ordered to repay restitution totaling $6,600 and is prohibited from acting as a bonding agent.
An investigation by the Ohio Department of Insurance revealed that Brim accepted money from a consumer to post a bail bond in Fairfield County but failed to post the bond with the clerk of court and never refunded the money.
The Ohio Department of Insurance referred Brim's case to the Fairfield County Prosecutor, resulting in her indictment on charges of theft, a fourth-degree felony, and telecommunications fraud, a third-degree felony. Brim pleaded guilty to one count of theft as part of a plea agreement.
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Conduct a Life Insurance Review, Find Unclaimed Life Insurance Funds
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, a timely reminder for Ohioans to assess their life insurance as a crucial part of financial planning, particularly when considering the financial impact of losing a primary income provider. Life insurance can cover funeral expenses, replace lost income, and help with ongoing financial obligations.
There are various types of life insurance and each type serves different needs, with some policies offering flexible premium options. The right coverage amount depends on individual family needs and financial circumstances. An insurance agent can help determine the appropriate protection.
Ohioans are also encouraged to review their life insurance coverage after major life events like marriage, having children, or retirement. Additionally, an annual life insurance policy check-up is recommended to ensure the policy is performing adequately.
Also related to life insurance, Ohioans can take advantage of a free, web-based service that can help them connect with deceased loved ones’ lost life insurance policies and annuity contracts and their potential unclaimed funds.
The Life Insurance Policy Locator, provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, makes it easy to get started with just basic information. Beneficiaries, executors, or legal representatives of a deceased person can submit a search request, which is then forwarded to insurance companies. If a match is found, the insurance company will contact the requester directly.
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Disaster Preparedness Insurance Tips
In recognition of September as National Preparedness Month, the Ohio Department of Insurance urges Ohioans to review their insurance coverage to ensure they have appropriate insurance protection.
Standard policies typically cover water (not floods), wind, hail, fire, and lightning, but additional coverage may be needed for floods and earthquakes. Understanding the wind/hail deductible, whether fixed or percentage-based, is also important.
Flooding is typically not covered by standard property policies, so homeowners are encouraged to consider purchasing flood insurance through an insurance agent.
It is essential to know whether belongings are insured at actual cash value (depreciated) or replacement cost. Policies may include coverage for extra costs like debris removal and temporary living expenses, so reviewing these details is key.
Creating a inventory of possessions is recommended to simply the claim filing process.
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Insurance Checklist for College Students
Conducting an insurance review is an important component of financial protection for parents and their college students during the school year. Ohioans are encouraged to utilize this checklist and also enlist the services of an insurance agent as steps toward putting an updated financial protection plan in place.
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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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