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Helping Ohioans Navigate Mental Health Insurance to Access Care
by Judith L. French, Director
Mental Health Awareness Month in May is a reminder that taking care of mental well-being starts with having access to the right support. For many people, that begins with understanding what their health insurance plan actually covers when it comes to mental health care benefits.
The Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office (MHIA) is a resource that can make a real impact for Ohioans. MHIA is dedicated to making insurance easier to understand, less overwhelming, and more accessible.
Operating within the Ohio Department of Insurance, MHIA provides trusted guidance and education to individuals, families, behavioral health providers, employers, caregivers, advocates, and more. The mission is to help people make informed decisions and confidently use their mental health benefits.
No matter how someone is insured — through an employer, a government program, a plan purchased directly, or even if they currently lack coverage — MHIA offers support. Staff help clarify what services may be covered, explain potential costs and limits, and assist with insurance claim denials, complaints, and appeals.
To learn more, visit insurance.ohio.gov/getmhia where you will find user-friendly material, along with toolkits for employers, and information on filing appeals and complaints. The site also offers opportunities to request a speaker or schedule a training session.
Access to mental health care should not be complicated or out of reach. Understanding insurance is a key step — and MHIA is here to help.
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Ohio In-Demand Jobs Week May 4-8
Ohio’s ninth annual In-Demand Jobs Week takes place May 4-8. The special week highlights Ohio’s most in-demand and fastest-growing industries through hiring events, educational activities, and training opportunities across the state.
This year's theme is “Reach Your Full Potential” and a nod to WorkOhio: Reach Your Full Potential – a new initiative launched by Lt. Governor Tressel earlier this year to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs through personalized support from teams of regional job experts.
When it comes to insurance and in-demand jobs, the Ohio insurance industry is one of the largest employers in the state and a mainstay of the economy with dynamic and well-paying opportunities across many career paths.
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Free 'Welcome to Medicare' Educational Events
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), the state's official Medicare educational and counseling resource, is holding 'Welcome to Medicare' in-person and virtual events in May, which is Older Americans Month, and beyond for Ohioans new to Medicare.
During the events, OSHIIP staff provide an overview of Medicare coverage options, prescription drug coverage, supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance, and important deadlines.
OSHIIP also offers free Medicare counseling. Individuals can schedule virtual, one-on-one appointments with OSHIIP representatives who can help answer Medicare questions. Assistance is also available by phone through the OSHIIP hotline at 800-686-1578.
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NIPR Identifies Phishing Scam Targeting Insurance Agents
The National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) has identified an active phishing email campaign targeting insurance agents. These fraudulent emails reference past due invoices and may appear to originate from familiar or trusted domains, including @nipr.com, @naic.org, or @stripe.
These messages are fraudulent and were not sent from an official NIPR email address or account. The emails falsely claim to be from NIPR and request payment. Any unexpected or unsolicited invoice should be treated as suspicious.
Visit NIPR’s phishing information webpage for more information about how to identity a fraudulent email.
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Don't Overlook Flood Insurance Financial Protection
Ohio residents are encouraged to review their homeowners and renters insurance policies, including whether flood insurance makes sense for their situation. Even a small amount of water can lead to thousands of dollars in property damage.
Federal government data shows that flood risk is not limited to high-risk zones. People outside designated flood areas account for nearly half of all claims through the National Flood Insurance Program.
It is important to note that standard homeowners and renters insurance policies generally do not cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance must be purchased to have financial protection from flooding.
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File an Insurance Complaint with ODI
Ohio law gives consumers the right to file complaints against insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, agents, and adjusters. Each year, the Ohio Department of Insurance helps recover/save consumers millions of dollars by reviewing complaints from Ohioans involving such issues as claim and benefit disputes.
For more information and to initiate a compliant visit insurance.ohio.gov, email consumer.complaint@insurance.ohio.gov, or call 800-686-1526.
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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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