Mental health and addiction have come to the forefront of our state’s efforts to better meet residents’ health care needs. And while affordability and accessibility are continued worries, state officials are working to help Ohioans understand how to identify and navigate mental health and substance use disorder benefits in health insurance plans for treatment access.

This month, the Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office is hosting two webinars in which the staff will give an overview of the office’s services and information, explain regulation of mental health and substance use disorder insurance benefits, help participants understand how to determine those benefits in their health insurance plan, and show participants how to file an insurance complaint with the department and appeal a denied health insurance claim or a reduced payment for a benefit or service.

There are two sessions, one for consumers and one for health care professionals:

¯ Consumer Tips for Understanding Mental Health Insurance Benefits — 11 a.m., May 23; registration at https://bit.ly/412zc5m;

¯ Understanding Mental Health Insurance Benefits for Healthcare Professionals — 11 a.m. May 25; registration at https://bit.ly/4187fZN.

(That one is for providers, billing staff and other administrative professionals.)

Navigating those questions without being armed with information and support can be daunting — the last thing a person needs while working to improve mental health or recover from addiction.

“Whether you have health insurance through an employer, a government program, purchased it directly through an agent, or are uninsured, WE CAN HELP!” the MHIA says on its website. It is encouraging to know such a resource exists for Buckeye State residents. Those in need of information or a guiding hand should take advantage of the office and the seminars.

editorial@vindy.com