OIC Answers on Insurance

Jun 10 2024 1

OIC Answers on Insurance Podcast artwork

Insurance is confusing, but we’re here to help. This podcast from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) answers all kinds of questions about insurance in the Evergreen State, from Medicare to homeowners insurance claims to car insurance premiums. Hosts Aaron and Matt interview OIC staffers with expertise in different types of insurance to help make a complicated subject a little more easy to understand.

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OIC Answers: How to avoid Medicare fraud⁠

Jun 10 2024 19 mins

On this Medicare Fraud Prevention Month episode of OIC Answers, Kim McKenna — our Senior Medicare Patrol program coordinator — discusses the most common Medicare-related scams, how to keep yourself safe from fraud, what to do when you think you’re being targeted in a scheme, and how the Senior Medicare Patrol works. For questions about reporting a concern to Washington State

OIC Answers: What's a transparency rule?

May 27 2024 8 mins

Each episode of OIC Answers addresses a question about insurance in Washington state or the OIC’s work. On this episode, Andrew Davis from the OIC's Policy team discusses the state's new premium change transparency rule and what your insurance company is now required to do if you ask (in writing) about your premium increase upon renewal.

OIC Answers: Am I ready for a natural disaster?

May 13 2024 16 mins

Each episode of OIC Answers addresses a question about insurance in Washington state or the OIC’s work. On this episode, Amy Teshera from the OIC's Consumer Advocacy Program talks about what happens (from an insurance standpoint) after a natural disaster damages or destroys your home, and how the OIC helps people navigate the claims process after a large-scale event.

OIC Answers: What if I'm (Medi)scared?

Apr 29 2024 15 mins

Each episode of OIC Answers addresses a question about insurance in Washington state or the OIC’s work. On the second episode, Tim Smolen – director of the OIC’s SHIBA Program – returns to explain how the volunteer-driven Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Program works to help Washingtonians get free, unbiased advice about Medicare. Call SHIBA at (800) 562-6900!

OIC Answers: What if I don't (Medi)care?

Apr 10 2024 15 mins

Each episode of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s podcast, OIC Answers, addresses one question about insurance in Washington state or the OIC’s work. On the first episode, Tim Smolen – director of the OIC’s SHIBA Program – answers beginner-level questions about enrolling in Medicare.