State receives a federal CAPP grant for consumer health insurance portal

[September 04, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Department of Insurance Director Andrew Boron announced last week that the department was awarded $1,141, 954 by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services for a Consumer Assistance and Patient Protection Project grant under the Affordable Care Act. The grant will enable the Department of Insurance to build a consumer health insurance portal that will serve as a central point of contact for consumer assistance services on the department's website.

The grant, which runs Aug 24, 2012-Aug. 23, 2013, will also be used to improve consumer assistance services provided by the department's Office of Consumer Health Insurance and the Life, Accident and Health Complaint units, such as the assistance provided for filing appeals and external reviews for denied claims.

"We're pleased to receive this grant. In addition to supporting our hands-on assistance services, the grant will help upgrade our technology so more individuals, families and businesses in Illinois will have access to the department's services and information," said Boron. "I commend department staff and everyone for their hard work that went into this process of submitting a quality application."

The department received notification of the award Aug. 24.

"Staff of Office of Consumer Health Insurance helps consumers who have questions about their health insurance," said Michele Oshman, chief deputy director. "We were so excited to receive word that the department had received the grant. Assisting consumers is a central part of our mission."

The department's mission is to protect consumers by providing assistance and information, by efficiently regulating the insurance industry's market behavior and financial solvency, and by fostering a competitive insurance marketplace. The department assists consumers with all insurance complaints, including health, auto, life and homeowner.

For more information or assistance, visit the department's website at www.insurance.illinois.gov or call toll-free, 866-445-5364.

[Text from Illinois Department of Insurance file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]