Ohio Department of Insurance

Office address: 50 W Town St #300, Columbus, OH 43215  
Website: insurance.ohio.gov 
Year established: 1872 
Employees: 250+ 
Key people: Judith French (director), Matt Peters (deputy director), Christopher Brock (chief of strategic initiatives), Tynesia Dorsey (chief administrative officer), Todd Walker (chief communications officer), Tina Chubb (chief information officer), George McNab (assistant director) 
Operating budget: $47 million (FY 2025) 

The Ohio Department of Insurance protects consumers by educating the public and regulating insurance companies, agents, and adjusters. It also offers Medicare counseling, handles complaints, and supports Ohioans with various initiatives and tools. 

History of Ohio Department of Insurance 

The Ohio Department of Insurance was formed in 1872 to regulate insurance and protect people in the state. The agency works to enforce state laws to keep the market fair. Here are recent milestones for the agency: 

• 1992: The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is created to help with Medicare questions 
• 2003: department adds digital complaint forms and online resources 
• 2010: agency starts state-level reforms for the Affordable Care Act 
• 2011: launches public campaigns against insurance fraud statewide 
• 2015: oversaw more than 1,600 companies and 250,000 agents 

The Ohio Department of Insurance continues to monitor rate changes and protect consumers. For example, it responded as drivers went through their largest insurance hikes in 2023, noting the impact on Ohio families. Their work remained vital as the insurance market shifted. 

Ohio Department of Insurance mandate 

Chapter 3901 of the Ohio Revised Code gives the Ohio Department of Insurance legal power to enforce insurance laws and investigate violations. Its mission is to protect Ohioans, keep the insurance market fair, and help people understand coverage. The agency is made up of these divisions: 

1. consumer services 
2. communications 
3. director's office 
4. fraud and enforcement 
5. HR and fiscal services 
6. IT and security 
7. legislative services 
8. legal services 
9. Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) 
10. ombudsman 

A director leads the Ohio Department of Insurance and is appointed by the governor. Judith French is the current director of the agency. 

Key responsibilities  

The Ohio Department of Insurance has a clear job to do for the state’s residents and insurance market. Here are the key responsibilities the agency handles every day: 

• consumer protection: investigates complaints and resolves insurance issues 
• Fraud and Enforcement: stops insurance fraud and enforces state laws 
• rate and policy review: reviews and approves insurance rates and policy forms 
• OSHIIP: helps Ohioans with Medicare and health insurance questions 
• company licensing: licenses and monitors insurance companies in Ohio 
• agent licensing: certifies and oversees insurance agents and agencies 
• public education: provides resources and events to help people understand insurance 
• market conduct exams: checks that companies treat customers fairly 
• financial oversight: monitors company solvency and financial health 
• legislative services: advises on insurance laws and policy changes 

The agency also manages public records requests and shares updates through newsletters and social media. It works closely with law enforcement and other state agencies to keep the insurance market safe and fair. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

The Ohio Department of Insurance partnered with the Department of Commerce in March 2025. They urged manufactured home residents to review insurance coverage and prepare for severe weather. The agency provided: 

• Severe Weather Preparation: shared tips to get ready before storms hit 
• Recovery Toolkit: offered guidance for insurance and recovery steps 
• home inventory advice: encouraged documenting possessions with photos and videos 
• policy review: reminded residents to confirm insurance covers storm damage 
• claims process support: advised contacting insurers quickly after storms 

 These steps help reduce financial risk and support faster recovery for homeowners and stakeholders.  

The Ohio Department of Insurance, under rule 3901-5-099(7), requires agents to renew licenses every two years by birth month. The agency enforces use of legal trade names and mandates electronic reporting of agent appointments and terminations.  

Agents returning after two years must complete new education credits or pre-licensing courses. These changes protect consumers and make compliance clearer for agents and insurers. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

The Ohio Department of Insurance offers direct support and education to help Ohioans understand insurance. Their Consumer Services team answers questions and resolves insurance complaints.  

OSHIIP provides free Medicare counseling and events, while Insurance Complaint Ratios show complaint data for companies. Their Welcome to Medicare Events give in-person help, making insurance clearer and safer for everyone in Ohio.