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Health Insurance Open Enrollment
by Judith L. French, Director
This time of year is crucial for Ohioans to review and select their health insurance coverage for 2025. Whether enrolling through an employer, the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, a non-marketplace plan, or Medicare, understanding the various options can feel overwhelming.
The Ohio Department of Insurance is here to assist Ohioans in making informed decisions and feeling confident in their coverage choices.
Our website offers a wide range of educational resources, including tips for navigating employer-sponsored insurance. For those exploring Marketplace plans or Medicare, healthcare.gov and medicare.gov, respectively, provide valuable insights and enrollment tools.
If you need personalized assistance, our insurance experts are available to answer your questions. You can reach our Consumer Services team by emailing consumer.services@insurance.ohio.gov or calling 800-686-1526. For Medicare-related inquiries, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) can be reached at oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov or 800-686-1578.
I also encourage Ohioans on Medicare to attend one of OSHIIP’s Medicare Checkup events, offered in-person and virtually. These events provide information on Medicare plan options, financial assistance, prescription coverage, and cost-saving tips.
Finally, if you are looking for licensed agents to help you select health insurance products, take advantage of the Agent/Agency Locator tool on the Ohio Department of Insurance website.
Stay informed, stay empowered, and take control of your health insurance choices during this important period.
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Statewide OSHIIP Medicare Checkup Events a Resource for Ohioans
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding Medicare Checkup events across the state to help Ohioans navigate Medicare open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
These events offer details on Medicare plan options, financial assistance, prescription coverage, and cost-saving tips. Personalized plan comparisons and one-on-one counseling are available. With annual changes in plans, it's essential for Ohioans to review benefits, costs, and coverage details, and check if preferred health care providers will be in network. Medicare 2025 plan information is available at medicare.gov.
Ohioans can find the full Medicare Checkup events schedule, search by county, and register for events, and also register for webinars, at insurance.ohio.gov. For additional personalized OSHIIP assistance, Ohioans can schedule virtual appointments, email oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov, and call 800-686-1578.
OSHIIP is a program of the Ohio Department of Insurance.
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Ohioans Urged to Stay Alert for Scams During Medicare Open Enrollment
Ohioans on Medicare are urged to be vigilant against scams targeting their personal information during the Medicare open enrollment period.
Fraudulent communications may ask for personal information or money in exchange for services like enrollment assistance, scheduling health services, signing up for a Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare health plan coverage, or claiming to assist with issuing a new Medicare card.
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Ohio Motor Vehicle Crashes Decrease Following Year of Strengthened Distracted Driving Enforcement
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that traffic crashes in Ohio significantly decreased in the year since enforcement of Ohio's strengthened distracted driving law began. Local peace officers and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) began enforcing Ohio's new distracted driving law in October 2023, following a six-month grace period for motorists. The law prohibits all drivers, in most circumstances, from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving.
According to preliminary data from OSHP, there were approximately 1,112 fewer distracted driving crashes in Ohio from October 5, 2023, to October 4, 2024, compared to the 12 months prior. Fatal crashes attributed to distracted driving dropped 19.4%.
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Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance
Automobile insurance serves as crucial protection for both you and your vehicle in the event of an accident. In Ohio, it is mandatory for all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to financial responsibility laws, making it illegal to drive without insurance coverage. This guide from the Ohio Department of Insurance outlines the various types of auto insurance coverages available and clarifies your rights and responsibilities as a consumer of auto insurance.
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Attention Insurance Agents: Reach New Customers with NFIP Registry Tool
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is making it easier for insurance agencies to sell flood insurance policies with its NFIP Quoting Tool and Agency Registry.
Property owners will receive a customized estimate from the NFIP’s new, direct-to-consumer quoting tool. Contact information for three randomly selected agencies from the Agency Registry will be shared with their estimate. The potential policyholders that reach out to your agency will be informed and ready to buy flood insurance.
Add your agency to the Agency Registry and unlock access to more potential policyholders.
If you have any questions about the Agency Registry, email fema-agency-registry@fema.dhs.gov.
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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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