The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has declared the month of November as Health Insurance Awareness Month to bring attention to the District of Columbia residents without health coverage, and to make health insurance information understandable and more accessible to the public.
"Having a health insurance policy is critical to having peace of mind, but for District of Columbia residents this coverage has become increasingly complex and unaffordable," said DISB Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton. "
It is especially troubling that approximately 10 percent of District residents are without health coverage. It is equally troubling to note that people who are uninsured receive half as much care as those who are."
Commissioner Hampton is hoping that by establishing Health Insurance Awareness Month, District consumers will better understand how to navigate through the complex products provided by health insurance companies, so they can acquire products and benefits that best fit their coverage needs.
Highlights of the month include:
- The launch of a one-stop website on health coverage options in the District. Currently being developed in partnership with the Department of Health and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the website will provide comprehensive information on health coverage options both in the market and through government-sponsored programs, as well as demographic-specific information on insurance options for individuals, families and small businesses.
- A weekly newsletter featuring consumer tips related to life-stage-based health coverage, including disability and long-term care insurance.
- A public forum on universal health coverage on Thursday, November 15, 2007, 10 am–12 pm.
It will be held at the DC Department of Health, 825 N. Capitol St., NE, Room 2125. This is a discussion among local policymakers on universal health coverage moderated by AcademyHealth, the administrator of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s State Coverage Initiative.
Additionally, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has issued a proclamation, a sign of solidarity with DISB, to show the city’s commitment to closing the disparities in health coverage. DISB will continue to work with partners to host seminars and workshops in the community to increase the awareness on health insurance issues.
Will your organization consider working in concert with the DC initiative to make this a national awareness movement?
People who are educated about their health insurance coverage options are more likely to make educated coverage choices...and wouldn't we all like to be a part of that?
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