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Medicare Checkup Events Begin as Open Enrollment Approaches
by Judith L. French, Director
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) annual Medicare Checkup events are now underway across Ohio, providing free, unbiased help to those navigating their Medicare options during open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
These events from OSHIIP, which is part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, offered both in-person and virtually, are designed to help beneficiaries understand Medicare basics, learn about upcoming changes, review prescription drug coverage options, and explore ways to save money. A live, virtual Medicare Town Hall is scheduled for Oct. 2 to explain this year’s enrollment updates and answer common questions.
OSHIIP is also reminding Ohioans to be alert during this season of Medicare marketing. Some advertisements may avoid important details, and agents are not allowed to make uninvited visits to homes or senior communities. No one from OSHIIP or Medicare will show up without a formal invitation, and personal information should never be shared in response to unsolicited offers.
Those unable to attend an OSHIIP Medicare Checkup event can still get help through webinars and virtual counseling sessions, accessible at insurance.ohio.gov or by calling OSHIIP at 800-686-1578.
With plan options and costs changing each year, along with the deluge of marketing and sales pitches, carefully reviewing Medicare coverage is essential.
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Consumer Alert: What Insurance Agents Can and Can’t Do During Medicare Open Enrollment
Agents prohibited from making uninvited visits to homes and senior communities
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving Ohioans on Medicare a valuable opportunity to review and compare their current coverage and explore Medicare plans for 2026.
During this time, insurance agents can be a helpful resource in understanding coverage options and navigating plan changes. Most agents follow the rules and act in their clients’ best interests. However, it is important for agents, consumers, and OSHIIP volunteers to understand what agents can and cannot do during this period, and to stay alert for those who may not be following the guidelines.
Agents should never visit individual residences or enter senior living communities unless specifically invited and agreed to in advance. While agents play an important role in helping individuals make informed Medicare choices, unsolicited visits to homes or facilities are not permitted. In addition, it is illegal for anyone to pose as a representative of OSHIIP or Medicare. OSHIIP and Medicare do not send representatives to residences or facilities without a formal invitation.
Pro Seniors, Ohio’s Senior Medicare Patrol, created this flyer to help recognize, avoid, and report Medicare impersonators.
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OSHIIP Medicare Checkup Events Schedule, Virtual Town Hall Oct. 2
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program's (OSHIIP) statewide Medicare Checkup events to help Ohioans navigate the Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period for 2026 coverage selection have started. In addition, OSHIIP is hosting a live, virtual Medicare Town Hall on Oct. 2 to explain all things open enrollment. Get the details and register here.
During the events, participants will learn Medicare fundamentals and changes, how to compare plans, prescription drug coverage options, and ways to save money. The events are presentation-only until Oct. 15 when plan comparisons and counseling services become included at most events.
If someone is unable to attend an event, there are other ways to access OSHIIP's unbiased and free services:
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Insurance-Related State of Ohio Budget Bill Language Effective Sept. 30
The State of Ohio’s biennial budget bill for fiscal years 2026-27, House Bill 96, includes several key provisions related to insurance that became effective on Sept. 30. These provisions address a range of policy areas that may affect insurance consumers and the insurance industry, as well as other stakeholders.
Access a summary of the enacted insurance-related language here.
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Ohio Property and Casualty Market Share Report for 2024 Released
The Ohio Property and Casualty Market Share Report for 2024 has been posted in the companies section of 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.
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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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