How to file
- Write down what happened. The agent's name, company, date, how they contacted you and what they said or did. Keep any letters, texts, emails or enrollment papers.
- Check the license. Look the agent up in ODI's agent and agency locator so you have the exact name and license number.
- Contact the company first, if you can. ODI asks consumers to try to resolve problems with the insurance company or agency before filing.
- File with ODI. Use the online complaint center, or call Consumer Services at 1-800-686-1526. For fraud, call 1-800-686-1527.
- Tell Medicare about plan sales problems. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or use the complaint form on Medicare.gov, especially if you were enrolled in a plan you didn't choose.
Who handles which problem
| Problem | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Misleading sales, pressure, unlicensed selling | ODI Consumer Services, 1-800-686-1526 |
| Forged signatures, stolen premiums or other insurance fraud | ODI Fraud and Enforcement, 1-800-686-1527 |
| Enrolled in a Medicare plan without your consent | 1-800-MEDICARE |
| A Medigap company's claims or rate problem | ODI Consumer Services, 1-800-686-1526 |
| Suspicious Medicare charges or callers | Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (Pro Seniors), 1-800-293-4767 |
ODI regulates insurance in Ohio but can't change a Medicare coverage decision; for that, see Medicare appeals in Ohio.
The rules agents must follow
Medicare's marketing rules (42 CFR 422.2264 and 422.2267) bar agents from cold calls, unsolicited text messages and door-to-door visits about Medicare plans, and require a scope-of-appointment agreement before a sales meeting. To talk with a licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
How do I find a licensed insurance agent in Ohio?
Checking a license first.
How do I report Medicare fraud in Ohio?
Scams and suspicious charges.
Medicare phone numbers for Ohio
Every official line.
Sources
- Ohio Department of Insurance — Consumer complaint information
- Ohio Department of Insurance — Complaint center
- Ohio Department of Insurance — Agent and agency locator
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.2264, beneficiary contact
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.2267, required materials (third-party marketing disclaimer)
- Medicare.gov — Filing complaints
More questions in this guide
- How can I help my parent with Medicare in Ohio?
- How do I appeal a hospital discharge in Ohio if I'm not ready to go home?
- How do I appeal a Medicare denial in Ohio?
- How do I find a licensed insurance agent for Medicare in Ohio?
- How do I find my area agency on aging in Ohio?
- How do I report Medicare fraud in Ohio?
- What are the Medicare phone numbers for Ohio?
- Where is the Social Security office near me in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Ohio Medicare contacts · All questions
Frequently asked questions
What happens after I file a complaint with ODI?
ODI's Consumer Services Division reviews the complaint and contacts the agent or company for a response. ODI asks consumers to try to resolve the problem with the company first and to send copies of any documents that support the complaint.
Can ODI cancel a Medicare plan an agent put me in?
No. Only Medicare and the plan can change a Medicare Advantage or Part D enrollment. If you were enrolled without your consent, call 1-800-MEDICARE; you may be able to switch or return to your earlier coverage. ODI handles the agent's conduct and license.
What can't an agent do when selling Medicare plans?
Under Medicare's marketing rules, agents can't cold-call you, send unsolicited text messages, visit your home without an appointment you scheduled, or approach you in parking lots or lobbies. Before a sales appointment they must agree with you on its scope, and agents of third-party marketing organizations must tell you they don't offer every plan in your area.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
