LANSING, Mich., June 12 -- The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issued the following news release:

The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) today announced the Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program (HICAP), which provides Michigan consumers with resources to help them navigate through the complex world of health insurance.

HICAP's website, www.michigan.gov/HICAP has user-friendly links and information on topics such as:

. The different types of health coverage options and minimum coverage requirements.

. The Affordable Care Act and coverage rights under Michigan and federal law.

. Health coverage rates and OFIR's role in the review of rate changes.

. How to resolve a complaint against a health insurer or appeal a health plan's denial of service.

. How to shop for or switch health care coverage.

"I am excited that we can offer this wide-array of services to Michigan consumers on what can be a very confusing issue," Commissioner Kevin Clinton said. "HICAP has answers to your health insurance questions."

OFIR's highly-trained and dedicated staff is available to answer any health insurance inquiry on the toll-free consumer hotline 877-999-6442.

"This is not an automated phone line. Consumers will be connected directly to real people who will help them with their health insurance concerns," Clinton added.

Not only can HICAP help consumers with their individual needs, but the program can assist organizations by providing a health insurance specialist to speak at an event (http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-35299_10555_12902_35510-274800--,00.html). In addition, health insurance-related brochures can be downloaded (http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-35299_10555_12902_35510-277284--,00.html) in several different languages from the HICAP website.

OFIR will be announcing additional consumer resources available under HICAP later this year.

TNS cp -120613-JF78-3908897 StaffFurigay