COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Insurance saved or recovered $57 million for the state’s insurance consumers last year, director Judith L. French announced during National Consumer Protection Week, March 5-11. The savings are a result of staff resolving coverage disputes, outlining suitable coverage options, and identifying financial assistance programs for Ohioans.
The Ohio Department of Insurance is a consumer protection agency that regulates the Ohio insurance industry, which is one of the largest in the world. French urges Ohioans to utilize the department’s free and unbiased information and services.
How the department can help you:
- Answer insurance questions and investigate complaints related to insurance options, claims, benefits, coverage cancellation, refunds, sales practices, and more.
- Address health insurance complaints concerning a benefit or claim denial. Start with your insurance company or an employer but contact the department if the situation remains unresolved.
- Understand how to access and utilize mental health insurance benefits with staff from the department’s Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office.
Last year, the department’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) saved Ohioans on Medicare more than $46 million, counseled 162,000 people, and welcomed 450,000 people to educational activities. The Consumer Services Division, which addresses automobile, homeowners, life, health, mental health, and other insurance-type issues, saved consumers more than $11 million and handled nearly 16,900 inquiries and 7,270 complaints.
Call the department’s consumer hotline at 800-686-1526 for assistance or get started at insurance.ohio.gov, where educational insurance information is available.