(Washington, DC) — The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) is declaring the month of November as the second annual Health Insurance Awareness Month to focus on the number of District of Columbia residents without health insurance, and to make health insurance information understandable and more accessible to the public.

“Health insurance is a critical expenditure for most District of Columbia residents, but the coverage options provided by health insurance policies have become increasingly complex and expensive,” said DISB Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton. “It is especially troubling that more than ten percent of District residents are without health coverage; so much so that this month, it becomes essential for us to continually inform residents about the types of private and government-sponsored health insurance plans and types of coverage available to them.” Commissioner Hampton’s hope is that by marking this month as Health Insurance Awareness Month, District consumers will better understand how to navigate through the complex products provided by health insurance companies, so they can acquire products and benefits that best fit their coverage needs.

Highlights of the month include:

1. Launch of FaceBook page. DISB will use this month to launch its own FaceBook page, the social networking website that targets younger residents (singles and young families). DISB hopes that by using this communication tool, it will be able to give this audience the right message about having the best health insurance coverage to meet specific needs. At times, some members of these groups falsely believe they do not need or cannot afford health insurance.
2. One-stop website on health coverage options in the District. Last year, DISB developed the healthinsurance.dc.gov website in partnership with the Department of Health and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer. It offers comprehensive information on health coverage options both in the market and through government-sponsored programs, as well as demographic-specific information on insurance options for individuals, families and small businesses. DISB encourages Web surfers to visit the page often.
3. Consumer tips related to life-situation-based health coverage will be placed on the website, emailed and mass mailed to the public. 
4. An employee workshop on health insurance during the District’s open enrollment on Thursday, November 20, 2008, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.  It will be held at DISB’s office, 810 First Street, NE, Suite 70l. This is a closed session to DISB employees only. 

Additionally, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has issued a proclamation to recognize the city’s ongoing efforts to close the gap in health insurance for the uninsured in the District of Columbia. DISB will continue to use this month, working with its partners, at workshops and events, to increase awareness on health insurance issues.