Ohioans can call with insurance complaints

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Department of Insurance says its consumer hot line can help when Ohioans have trouble with their insurance companies.

In the first six months of this year, 1,429 complaints were filed with the state concerning health plans. An analysis by The Columbus Dispatch found that about half the complaints were from people who said their insurance companies refused to pay medical claims.

The consumer won’t always win, however. The state insurance department sided with insurance companies about 300 times during the first six months of the year.

Department Director Mary Jo Hudson is encouraging people to call the hot line because it doesn’t get enough use. Callers must be fully insured and complaints must involve disputes of at least $500.