As the commissioner for the N.C. Department of Insurance, Mike Causey keeps his finger on the pulse of the insurance industry for the state and for its citizens, handling everything from rate requests by insurance companies, reports of possible insurance fraud from consumers and keeping an ear to the ground about possible cuts to his department in the upcoming budget.

Causey said it’s important for consumers to reach out to his office – via email, phone call or by visiting the website – it’s the best way he and staff can help.

Legislators often refer constituents to the Department of Insurance to get help with issues, and Causey said he and his staff are only too happy to help.

But right now, he’s got his eye on a budget proposal from the N.C. Senate that effectively eliminates a program popular with senior adults who seek advice about health insurance and prescription drug plans during the annual Open Enrollment period.

It’s called SHIIP – Seniors Health Insurance Information Program – and Causey called it one of the best programs the state has ever had.

More than 800 volunteers across the state help senior adults answer questions during Open Enrollment for Medicare, Medicaid and prescription drug plans.

“We do a lot to help our seniors,” Causey said during a visit to the WIZS studio Tuesday morning.

The federal government is looking to cut SHIIP’s funding, which Causey said is vital. If the Senate budget proposal goes through, it would essentially shut the program down.

“Let’s not cut anything from our much-valued SHIIP program,” he said. The program helps people save money by reviewing their plans each year, Causey said, adding that last year alone, SHIIP helped more than 66,000 people.

“That’s a lot of folks,” he said.

And more folks are on the way – more seniors, in fact. North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states for retirees. “I would urge all retired citizens or anybody to please get in touch with your state representative and your state senator and let your feelings be known” about budget issues or other concerns they need to know about.

“If they don’t hear from you, they don’t know.”

To add insult to injury, the state wants to cut 19 full-time positions from the Department of Insurance. “If anything, we need to add 19 – we don’t need any cuts.”

The Department of Insurance is a self-funding agency.

“Money comes from the Insurance Regulatory Fund, and we bring in hundreds of millions of dollars through that fund to the general fund every year,” he said.

“We’re a money maker for the state,” he noted. “We’re asking for the House and the Senate to take a good look at the Department of Insurance” and what it brings to the table as budget work continues.

Visit www.ncdoi.gov to learn more, email Causey at mike.causey@ncdoi.gov or phone toll-free 855. 855.408.1212.

Whichever method you use, Causey said you’ll get a quick response, and you get the help you need.

“We’re here to help,” he said.

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