DCBS Media Release

June 30, 1999
For More Information:
John Piper, (503) 947-7213

Insurance Division adds toll-free line for consumers

The Oregon Insurance Division has added a toll-free telephone message line to make it easier for consumers to get help with their general insurance questions or specific complaints about insurance companies or agents.

"This new toll-free message line will make the Insurance Division's services more accessible to the general public," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Nancy Ellison. "We already handle 25,000 inquiries and 4,000 complaints each year, and look forward to serving even more Oregonians with this new service."

In addition to recording inquiries or complaints for follow-up by professional consumer assistance officers, consumers will be able to order complaint forms and a variety of consumer publications by calling the toll-free number, 1-888-877-4894. Free publications include:

• Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance.
• Consumer Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance and Managed Care Organizations.
• Consumer Guide to Oregon Insurance Complaints.
• Long-Term Care Insurance.
• Your Medicare Health Plan Choices.

The Insurance Division also licenses insurance companies and agents doing business in Oregon, examines insurers for solvency and compliance with insurance law, approves products to be offered to the public, and reviews rates charged for certain insurance products.

The division's Web site (www.cbs.state.or.us/ins) provides another alternative for accessing the services available through the new toll-free message service, including filing a complaint on-line and downloading consumer publications.

The division's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program also operates a toll-free information line for Oregon Medicare beneficiaries. The SHIBA number is 1-800-722-4134.