News

Agents representing LTC Insurance have only until September 1, 2008 to complete an initial 8 hour training program in order to continue selling, soliciting or negotiating LTC Insurance.  Click here for more details!

COLUMBUS — The college experience brings more independence and responsibility, which includes understanding health insurance and the importance of securing coverage. The Ohio Department of Insurance has provided the following information in order to educate students on the available coverage options.   Please click HERE to review the options and tips available.

Many states have already passed mandated training requirements for all agents that sell Long-Term Care Insurance.  Most states, including Ohio, have given a time frame in which training needs to be completed, the amount of hours and other details on how to comply.  These new requirements affect all agents that sell LTC insurance products.     Click HERE for details on Ohio's requirements.

Once you have completed the required LTC training you must send a copy of the proof of training and the LTC Proof of Completion Fax Cover Sheet.  Click HERE for the Proof of Completion cover sheet.

If proof is not provided by the date required by the state of Ohio, GAFRI will not be able to accept the LTCI applications.

Now available!  You asked and AC delivered!  American Community has developed an enhanced, easy-to-use online quoting tool that has a fully integrated electronic application.  The new on-line application allows applicants to submit their applications electronically in a secure environment.  Contact Amanda at Amanda@centralohiogroup.com for instructions on how to complete an online application.

Great American Financial Resources, Inc. launched a new Agent Website at GAFRI.com on January 2, 2008.  Click here for some tips to guide you through the new Agent Website registration process.

Great American is pleased to report that the January 1, 2008 renewal for the Great American Supplemental Benefits Group sponsored National Association of Professional Agents (NAPA) Error and Omissions program will be with all rates, terms and benefits identical to the 2007 program.

Please click HERE for the 2008 E&O rate brochure that will provide you with all you need to renew or to get new coverage for 2008.

As of October 1st, you have the ability to market the three Advantra Rx Medicare Part D prescription drug plans through CGI, CRL and Provident American Life.  No additional appointment paperwork is necessary, as long as you are appointed with CGI, CRL and Provident AND you have completed the Part D agent certification training.  This training is now available online. 

To get certified, log onto www.cgiview.com, www.crlview.com or www.providentview.com and click on the Resource Center and look in the Medicare Part D section to access this required training presentation.  Once you have completed the training, click on the Part D Agenct Certification Enrollment Form link and print out the Part D Confirmation form.  Fax your completed form to 800-961-7656.  Remember, you must be Part D certified in order to receive commissions.

Click on the play button to view our video from the 5th Annual Top Producers Trip to Las Vegas

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Ohio Mental Health Parity Law Applicable Oct. 1

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Insurance has created an on-line toolkit at www.ohioinsurance.gov to help consumers and stakeholders understand how health benefit plans are to provide mental health benefits for biologically based mental illness. S.B. 116, effective March 30, 2007, enacted the mental health parity legislation, which became applicable to most health benefit plans on or after Oct. 1, 2007. The Department has been reviewing and approving mental health benefit product filings made by health insuring corporations and insurance companies.

"Ohioans who suffer from biologically-based mental illness finally have the security in knowing that their insurance will provide coverage on the same level as other health benefits," said Mary Jo Hudson, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. "We will monitor health plan product filings and the marketplace to ensure the appropriate products are being marketed and care is being provided as promised." 

The law provides that individual and group health plans, including individual and group healthcare plans offered by Health Insuring Corporations (HICs), and public and private self-funded health benefit plans must provide benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of biologically based mental illnesses. 

The mandated mental health benefits are subject to the same co-payments, deductibles, cost sharing requirements and managed care as the coverage for physical illnesses. As with traditional health benefit plans, employers and insurers may negotiate reimbursement rates and may establish networks with providers to deliver mental health services to the health plan`s subscribers. Self-funded plans are included in the mandate, unless preempted by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). 

Biologically based mental illnesses are defined by the law as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, major depressive order, bipolar disorder, paranoia and other psychotic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. 

Ohioans who have questions about mental health parity and benefits may call the Department`s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Additional information can be obtained at www.ohioinsurance.gov.

Ohio Department of Insurance Contacts:

Robert Denhard, Public Information Officer
(614) 644-3366

Jarrett Dunbar, Public Information Officer
(614) 644-2475

Effective July 1, 2007 MMO will change its minimum enrollment requirements and eliminate the 50% floor for small group (2-99) business.  For groups with two to four employees, MMO will require enrollment of 100% of the group's net active eligible employees.  For groups with 5-99 employees,  MMO will require a minimum of 75% of the group's net active eligible employees.  Additionally, MMO has expanded the number of eligible waivers and will exclude any employee who declines coverage because they are covered by a spouse's employer sponsored health plan;  covered by another employer; enrolled in Medicare and/or a Medicare Supplement; covered by a retiree plan from another employer; covered under their parent's plan.

Dependent Age Limit - The current dependent age limit of 23 is changing to 19 for all new dependents.  As dependents reach age 19, full-time student certification and a minimum of 12 credit hours are required each year for the student to remain eligible.  All existing dependents aged 19-23 will be grandfathered under the current dependent age limit.  This change is applicable to OHP, but not MRACC.