Seniors Urged to Use OFIR Resources in Recognition of Older Americans Month

May 17, 2012
Media Contact: Jason Moon 517-335-1700
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442
http://twitter.com/miofir

LANSING - May is National Older Americans Month and the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) is reminding Michigan seniors that the state agency has numerous resources to help and protect them as they shop for products in the complex financial services industry.

"OFIR has many easy-to-use resources specifically designed to educate Michigan seniors on insurance and investment issues as well as initiatives to help protect them from financial abuse," said Commissioner Kevin Clinton.  

OFIR has a number of financial education and fraud awareness programs:

• OFIR works closely with the AARP on fraud prevention presentations to seniors.  Participants learn practical, daily steps to prevent identity theft, avoid common scam and con artist schemes, and learn how to choose and evaluate a financial services provider. 
  
  
• OFIR offers free goal-based, non-biased investment classes in libraries throughout the state through its Investor Education in Your Community program. 
  
  
• OFIR has developed many investor education presentations tailored specifically to seniors or any audience demographic. These presentations can be made on short notice to any interested organization within the state.

OFIR has a Senior Issues section on its health insurance resource page where consumers can find helpful information on Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Long-term Care Insurance.

The agency also has many helpful investment publications on its Investor Education page, including Five Keys to Investing Success and Maximize Your Retirement Investments.

If seniors or Michigan consumers of any age have any questions or complaints about the financial services industry they should contact OFIR’s toll-free consumer hotline at 877-999-6442 or visit www.michigan.gov/ofir.

For more information on Older Americans Month, visit: www.olderamericansmonth.aoa.gov.