Insurance Department counseling program ranked number one in nation second year in a row Posted on 8/31/2010
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm announced today that the North Dakota Insurance Department's State Health Insurance Counseling program (SHIC) has been ranked number one in the nation for the second year in a row by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The ranking is based on the program's performance in 2009.
"I am extremely proud of the work the professional staff here at the Insurance Department does every day for the people of North Dakota, as well as the work done by our partnering organizations and volunteers across the state," Hamm said. "The Insurance Department's work in educating and protecting consumers is second to none and this award is the latest evidence establishing that fact."
CMS has distributed performance awards since 2006 using data reported through a national performance reporting system. North Dakota was ranked number one last year. Performance criteria include the number of beneficiaries that SHIC serves in one-on-one counseling sessions and in public education and outreach events, and the number of counselors recruited and trained to provide community-based assistance to Medicare beneficiaries.
SHIC offers free and confidential help with Medicare and other health insurance. For more information, call 1-888-575-6611 or visit www.nd.gov/ndins.
