The Ohio Department of Insurance
What is the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)?
The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), was established in 1992, and is funded by both the state and the federal government. OSHIIP is a service coordinated through and provided by the Ohio Department of Insurance. OSHIIP provides free health insurance information to Ohio’s Medicare beneficiaries through its educational and counseling services. OSHIIP assists Ohio Medicare beneficiaries and those that assist them through: a toll free hotline at 1-800-686-1578, the Ohio Department of Insurance’s website, educational outreach, a speakers’ bureau, publications, and a statewide network of trained and certified volunteers. OSHIIP staff can answer any questions about: Medicare, prescription drug coverage, Medicare supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance and home health care coverage, among other topics.
Ohio Insurance Department to Hold Medicare Check-up Days Across State
Learning what type of coverage works best for those on Medicare will be the focus off the Ohio Department of Insurance starting in the fall and running through December 31. The Department is conducting a series of Medicare Check-Up Days in each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
The Check-Up Days complement Medicare’s annual open enrollment or "coordinated election" period, which starts November 15 and ends December 31. People on Medicare have several options they can learn about. They can choose Original Medicare for their health coverage needs and pair it with a stand-alone Part D plan to get their prescription drug coverage. They could also select a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits including drug coverage; or they may determine their existing coverage already meets their health insurance needs. Medicare coverage secured through open enrollment will begin January 1, 2009.
"These events provide a great opportunity for people with Medicare to learn about their plan options and how to secure the appropriate coverage," said Mary Jo Hudson, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. "I strongly encourage people to attend one in their area or call our OSHIIP hotline at 1-800-686-1578 with any questions about Medicare coverage."
At each Check-Up Day, the Department’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) representatives will provide information on recent Medicare changes, explain the different coverage options, run comparison reports on various plans and advise beneficiaries if they can coordinate other coverages such as Veterans Administration along with that of Part D.
For events Nov. 15 and later, OSHIIP can help beneficiaries enroll in their Medicare coverage of choice. Now in its 16th year, OSHIIP is the state's lead program for Medicare information and enrollment assistance.
Other topics include significant savings on prescription drug costs for those with limited incomes; how to save using retail discount drug plans; drug company patient assistance programs; Medicare’s preventive benefits and managing expenses during the Part D coverage “doughnut hole,” or gap in coverage. Attendees are encouraged to bring a list of their prescriptions drugs, dosages and preferred pharmacy, as well as any information on pension, VA or other medical care benefits they are receiving.
For more information, please contact:
Phone: 800-686-1578 or 614-644-3458
Email: Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
Website: www.oshiip.org AND http://ohioinsurance.gov/