COLUMBUS – Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is using National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, to remind Ohioans of the Department’s commitment to advocate on their behalf and encourage them to utilize the many services the agency provides.
“The Ohio Department of Insurance remains steadfast to its mission of protecting Ohio insurance consumers by closely monitoring the financial stability of insurance companies, combating insurance fraud, and by providing educational assistance and information,” Director Hudson said.
Last year, the Department received about 115,000 telephone calls to its consumer hotline, 1-800-686-1526, and received close to 6,900 complaints from consumers about agents and companies. The Department recovered $9.7 million, through such means as claim decision reversals, on behalf of Ohioans. The Department’s Consumer Affairs division, which includes the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), handles consumer inquiries about all insurance and reviews consumer complaints. OSHIIP helps people understand Medicare and has a dynamic outreach presence. It annually holds Medicare Check-up Days in every Ohio county.
The Fraud and Enforcement units investigate allegations of suspected fraud committed by consumers and healthcare providers as well as allegations of agent misconduct. In 2008, the units revoked 109 agent licenses and referred 125 consumer fraud cases for prosecution. A total of 47 people were convicted, including those in a $2.5 million theft and fraud ring.
Special initiatives are underway to further inform and protect Ohio’s insurance consumers, Director Hudson said.
The agency is reaching out to people who have lost their health and life insurance during these difficult economic times, and cautioning Ohioans against general contractors who commit insurance fraud while making home repairs due to severe storm damage. OSHIIP outreach and other events are being used to educate people about increasing predatory sales associated with certain Medicare products, annuities and Stranger Originated Life Insurance (STOLI).
To help consumers protect themselves against being an insurance fraud victim, the Department asks Ohioans to carefully review insurance products with a trusted advisor or family member, to not be pressured and always review the contract before making a decision, never sign a form stating you refuse to disclose certain information, and compare plans for similar contracts from several companies. To report a deceptive sales practice or suspicious behavior, people should call the Department’s fraud hotline at 1-800-686-1527.
“We are here to protect and service Ohio insurance consumers,” Director Hudson said. “I urge Ohioans to call our consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 with any insurance questions and to request insurance information.
Those in the need of Medicare help can call our OSHIIP hotline at 1-800-686-1578. Our web site at www.insurance.ohio.gov is also a great resource that includes an array of different insurance publications, toolkits and tip sheets.”
Information on the upcoming event can be found here.