OSHIIP assisted more than 193,000

Staff report

COLUMBUS

The state’s designated program to help people understand Medicare and provide enrollment assistance in 2014 surpassed its previous record for the amount of money it annually saves Ohioans.

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) saved Ohioans $18 million last year, assisting more than 193,000 Ohioans to improve upon 2013’s mark of $16.4 million,” said Mary Taylor, lieutenant governor and Department of Insurance director.

The new savings figure includes $9.8 million saved during the recent Medicare annual open-enrollment period during which people selected coverage for 2015, Taylor said.

“We have expert staff that understand Medicare and works with seniors to select the best coverage to meet their needs. I can’t stress enough how important it is that residents take advantage of the free and educational services provided by OSHIIP while annually reviewing their coverage,” she said.

Taylor said Ohioans are able to realize savings because OSHIIP helped them understand their coverage options as they reviewed plans for 2015; and the program can also assist people in determining if they qualify for financial assistance.

OSHIIP maintains a significant statewide community outreach presence in every Ohio county through a network of volunteers and partner organizations that conducted 1,641 events in 2014. These activities include the Medicare Check-up Days held during annual open enrollment and Welcome to Medicare events each spring.

Over the last several years, OSHIIP has incorporated technological enhancements to better track its interactions with consumers. The program is also more aggressive in providing educational information and counseling opportunities. As a result, Taylor said OSHIIP’s overall performance score has moved ahead of 40 other SHIP programs to rank 14th nationally, according to federal government data.

In April, OSHIIP will begin its annual Welcome to Medicare events to help new and soon-to-be beneficiaries understand the basics of Medicare.

Ohio residents with Medicare questions can call OSHIIP at 800-686-1578. Medicare information, such as consumer guides, tips sheets, premium information and interactive webinars, are available at www.insurance.ohio.gov.