Date: December 7, 2006
For more information contact: Eileen Mallow, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, (608) 266-7843 or eileen.mallow@wisconsin.gov

Grievances and Complaints Publication to be Released

Madison, WI—The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has announced the release of a new publication, entitled "A Consumer's Guide to Grievances and Complaints." This publication is aimed at helping consumers through any problems and complaints they might have with their health insurance plan.

"Navigating through the health care delivery system can be a pretty daunting task. Many people do not know the rights they may have nor the steps involved in resolving disputes with their health insurance plans," said Jorge Gomez, Commissioner of Insurance. "We have developed this brochure to help consumers through what can be a complicated insurance process."

The publication is in an easy to follow question and answer format that allows consumers to either read the publication cover-to-cover or jump immediately to their issue. The brochure also includes a set of worksheets designed to help consumers organize and document their own grievance process.

Included in the publication is a checklist of information consumers need to know about their health plan, an explanation of and how to file grievances, a step-by-step guide to Independent Reviews, and a list of other options consumers may have in resolving their problems.

Publications such as "A Consumer's Guide to Grievances and Complaints" can be viewed and printed online by visiting the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov. Single copies can be ordered free from the office by filling out the request form found under Publications on the Web site, by writing to OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873 or calling 800-236-8517.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.