Oregon Department of Insurance

A Consumer Friend : The Oregon Department of Insurance

If you live in Oregon and your health insurance is cancelled without warning, where do you turn for help? Or what if your health insurance company keeps postponing claims payments? Savvy insurance applicants would turn to the Oregon Department of Insurance or as it is officially known, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. About 30,000 inquiries are handled through the Oregon Department of Insurance annually. You can reach the Oregon Department of Insurance at 503-947-7980 or at the website http://www.cbs.state.or.us/ins/ .

Consumer Protection Under the Oregon Department of Insurance

One of the main functions of the Oregon Department of Insurance is to handle complaints concerning health insurance companies, agents and brokers. Complaints may include denial of claims or coverage, delayed payments, claim settlement, premiums, cancellation of coverage, non-renewal of policies, fraud, or misrepresentation. Most complaints center on claims processing and disputes rather than benefits.

Filing a Complaint with Oregon Department of Insurance

A complaint form can be downloaded from the Oregon Department of Insurance website or completed online. Have all your documents ready including details such as policy dates, numbers, dates of claims, copies of checks, record of phone calls, etc. Maintain a file with this information so it is handy if details are requested. Once you file a complaint, the Oregon Department of Insurance will send your complaint to the health insurance company, agent or broker. A response from the company, agent or broker must be returned to the Oregon Department of Insurance within 21 days. If the response is adequate in resolving the issue, then a copy of the explanatory letter will be sent to you. If there is no response or an unsatisfactory response, then a compliance worker is assigned to work with you to obtain resolution. If law has been violated, then the complaint goes to the Investigation Unit. Taking the steps to resolve problems through the Oregon Department of Insurance will help you not only to get results but also gives you advocacy with clout. The Oregon Department of Insurance cannot offer legal advice however by seeking their help, you may be able to save the headaches and expenses of filing a lawsuit.

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