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Advocating for State Priorities and Consumer Protections on Capitol Hill
by Judith L. French, Director
The annual Commissioner Fly-In, hosted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), remains a cornerstone event in our work to safeguard insurance consumers and strengthen state-based regulation. Representatives from Department of Insurance jurisdictions recently joined together in Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress and discuss key issues impacting our markets and constituents.
The NAIC's priorities reflected the pressing needs of the moment and the importance of state regulation:
Advocating for State-Based Insurance Regulation
We reminded Congress of the enduring strength and efficiency of state-based insurance regulation. This system gives flexibility for states to address local concerns while the NAIC unites state insurance regulators from across the country, developing model laws and regulations that states can adopt. This collaborative effort promotes greater consistency and efficiency within the insurance industry, ultimately benefiting both consumers and insurers.
Putting Consumers First
We advocated for reforms that prioritize policyholders when insurers fail and called for restoring state oversight of Medicare Advantage marketing to better protect seniors from misleading or aggressive practices.
Reinforcing Property Insurance Markets
With natural disasters becoming more frequent and severe, we urged Congress to support resilience and mitigation efforts that help keep property insurance markets stable and accessible.
These federal conversations are vital, but they are just one part of our broader mission. Here in Ohio, we continue to protect consumers in many ways, ensure stability for one of the largest insurance marketplaces in the world, work to maintain the state's position as having some of the lowest insurance premiums, on average, in the country, and to help foster insurance innovation.
To learn more about the NAIC's priorities, please visit NAIC.org.
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June is Homeownership Month
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but help is available. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) is committed to making sure Ohioans are informed and prepared for the homebuying process. During Homeownership Month in June, OHFA is highlighting valuable resources, tools, and expert tips to support Ohioans every step of the way on their path to homeownership.
OHFA works with more than 120 lenders throughout the state to provide discounted mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and other loan products to make buying a home more affordable. In addition, OHFA is aligned with the Ohio Department of Commerce and Ohio Department of Insurance to educate Ohioans on the importance of working with a licensed real estate agent and insurance agent.
Ohioans can visit MyOhiohome.org for details on lending programs and to find participating lenders as well as information about financial assistance, real estate guidance, and a registry of licensed professionals. For help understanding homeowners insurance, explore educational tools on the Ohio Department of Insurance website, where an insurance agent locator tool can be accessed.
Homeownership takes planning. These State of Ohio agencies can help.
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2025 Ohio Agent/Agency Appointment Renewal Procedures
The Ohio Department of Insurance is providing details about the 2025 appointment renewal process to ensure agents and agencies have the information needed to complete the required steps.
Any appointment that is active on June 30, 2025, will automatically be renewed effective July 1, 2025. A renewal invoice regarding appointments will be sent to insurance companies in August 2025. The invoice will include the appointment renewal fees for all agent and agency appointments that were active as of June 30, 2025.
All appointment termination requests must be completed prior to June 30, 2025. The Ohio Department of Insurance will not make changes to an invoice for any appointments active on July 1, 2025.
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Mental Health Insurance Outreach Toolkit Now Available
The Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) has created a digital outreach toolkit with ready-to-use materials to help anyone share important information about MHIA's valuable services and resources that help Ohioans with their mental health insurance needs.
These materials are designed for use across a range of communication platforms, including websites, newsletters, social media, and other outreach channels. MHIA is part of the Ohio Department of Insurance.
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OSHIIP Holding "Welcome to Medicare" Educational Events
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding "Welcome to Medicare" educational events in-person as well as monthly webinars. The next webinar is June 11.
OSHIIP's representatives provide an overview of Medicare, Part A and B benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines.
OSHIIP, nationally recognized for its exceptional service, helped Ohioans on Medicare save $54 million in 2024.
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National Flood Insurance Program for Insurance Professionals Webinars in June
Insurance professionals are invited to learn more about how the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) works and how insurance agents and property owners can navigate this complex program. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Floodplain Management Program (the State of Ohio’s NFIP Coordinating Office) will give a brief overview of the NFIP, mandatory purchase of flood insurance requirements, obtaining elevation certificates, as well as eligibility and applying for Letters of Map Change to correct Flood Insurance Rate Maps. These webinars will be offered on the following dates and times: Tuesday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, June 25 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The webinars will include time for Q&A with attendees. No registration is required. Please contact ODNR’s Floodplain Management Program with any questions at 614-265-6750 or alicia.silverio@dnr.ohio.gov.
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Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance. The skilled, judgment-free counselors are there to provide compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime, anywhere, 24/7/365.
Text 988 or CHAT WITH THE 988 LIFELINE
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