The Texas Insurance Podcast

Texas Department of Insurance
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The Texas Insurance Podcast is a podcast about the state of insurance in our great state of Texas. We’ll be speaking with experts to pass information along to you about the things you need to know. Subscribe so you don’t miss out on this important information. https://www.tdi.texas.gov

  1. Jul 9

    Medical bill or explanation of benefits? What's the difference?

    When you visit a doctor or other medical provider, your health plan sends you an explanation of benefits (EOB). This document shows what services were billed, what your health plan covered, and what costs you may need to pay.  How can I tell the difference between an EOB and a medical bill?  An EOB isn’t a bill. The EOB might show the portion of costs you could owe, such as your deductible, copay, or coinsurance, but it doesn’t ask for payment. A bill will always come from your medical provider, not from your health plan.  What if my name is misspelled on my EOB?  Contact your health plan to correct any spelling errors. If your health plan has your name spelled correctly, reach out to your doctor or the provider who submitted the claim so they can update their records. If you get coverage through your employer, you may need to contact your employer’s benefits office.  What does the “date of service” mean?  The “date of service” is the date you received care from the provider who filed the claim.  Will I get a bill from my provider right after the EOB arrives?  Not always. If the EOB shows you owe part of the cost, it can take time before your provider sends a bill. You might not get a bill if you don’t owe anything.  Who can I contact if I have questions about EOBs?  For general questions about EOBs, call the TDI Help Line at 800‑252‑3439.  How to avoid costly mistakes with your health plan How to save money at the doctor 00:00 Medical bill or explanation of benefits? What's the difference? 00:26 What is an explanation of benefits?  00:59 How can I tell the difference between an EOB and a medical bill?  02:03 What if there are errors on your EOB? 02:58 What if the deductible and copay are incorrect on your EOB? 04:41 Will you get a bill from your medical provider right after the EOB arrives?  05:03 Who can you contact if I have questions about your explanation of benefits? 05:58 If you have an insurance question, call 800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website.

    Medical bill or explanation of benefits? What's the difference?

  2. Jun 11

    How TDI enforces the insurance code and protects consumers

    The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) makes sure insurance companies and agents follow state law. When they don't, the Fraud and Enforcement Division steps in to protect consumers, stop illegal activity, and help Texans get the money owed to them. Here are answers to common questions about how the division holds the insurance industry accountable in a fair and transparent way. How are insurance companies or agents punished if they do something wrong? The penalties depend on the severity of the offense: - For minor offenses: TDI may issue a warning letter, a suspension, or probation. - For serious offenses: TDI can permanently take away a license, issue administrative fines, and force the rule-breaker to pay back the people they harmed. What can cause an agent or company to lose their license? TDI can take away a license for serious misconduct, like an agent stealing client money or taking payments without actually setting up the insurance policy. Before anyone loses a license, a formal hearing is held so both sides can present their case. What kinds of criminal cases are referred to TDI’s Fraud Unit for prosecution? TDI’s Fraud Unit investigates insurance crimes and hands them over to local district attorneys for prosecution. Common examples include: - Agents stealing insurance premiums (the money consumers pay for coverage). - Individuals selling insurance without a license. In Texas, selling insurance illegally is a third-degree felony. How can the public see enforcement actions against a company or agent? Consumers can search for disciplinary actions from the past five years on TDI’s website. For help finding a specific company or legal order, call TDI’s Help Line at 800-252-3439. What’s the role of TDI fraud investigators? How TDI's Help Line helps with insurance questions and complaints TDI embeds prosecutors in DA offices to investigate insurance fraud Forensic accounting and insurance fraud investigations Fraud Files: William "Doc" Gallagher TDI analysts work behind the scenes to stop insurance fraud Insurance fraud investigations recover millions for Texans Report insurance fraud online 00:00 How does TDI’s Enforcement Division hold insurance companies and agents accountable? 00:30 How does TDI enforce the insurance code and protect consumers? 00:56 How does TDI find cases for the Enforcement Division to investigate? 01:26 What kinds of possible code violations does TDI Enforcement Division investigate? 03:36 What is the process of a TDI Enforcement Division investigation? 05:37 How does restitution and revocation work in an insurance code enforcement investigation? 09:03 What happens when a code enforcement investigation uncovers criminal activity? 09:42 Can you look up companies or agents that have been investigated by the TDI Enforcement Division? 10:10 How does the TDI Enforcement Division help Texans? 11:05 If you need to file a complaint or have an insurance code question, call 800-252-3439 or visit tdi.texas.gov

    How TDI enforces the insurance code and protects consumers

  3. May 14

    Respuesta ante desastres: cómo ayuda el Departamento de Seguros

    Las tormentas pueden llegar rápidamente, pero un poco de preparación puede ser de gran ayuda. Descubra cómo los texanos pueden proteger sus viviendas, determinar sus necesidades de seguro y obtener ayuda después de un desastre.   Revise su cobertura de seguro   Ya sea por la temporada de huracanes, inundaciones, tornados o granizadas, es importante contar con la cobertura de seguro adecuada. Pregúntese:  ¿Puedo pagar el deducible? ¿Necesitaré un hotel si mi vivienda sufre daños? ¿Tengo suficiente cobertura para mis pertenencias? Revise su póliza dos veces al año para asegurarse de que su cobertura y sus deducibles aún cumplen con sus necesidades de presupuesto. Puede comparar las tarifas de las primas en HelpInsure.com.  ¿Cómo ayuda TDI después de un desastre?  Después de un desastres grave, FEMA y la División del Manejo de Emergencias de Texas (Texas Department of Emergency Management, TDEM, por su nombre y siglas en inglés) pueden abrir Centros de Recuperación ante Desastres (Disaster Recovery Centers, DRC, por su nombre y siglas en inglés) en las comunidades afectadas. Estos centros reúnen a agencias federales y estatales para ayudar a los texanos con la recuperación.  El personal de TDI se encuentra en estos centros de ayuda para guiarle a través del proceso de la reclamación, responder a sus preguntas y ayudarle a presentar una queja si es necesario  Si no puede acudir a un centro en persona, llame a la Línea de Ayuda de TDI al 800-252-3439.   ¿Cómo puedo recuperarme más rápido después de un desastre?  Prepárese para una recuperación rápida después de un desastre teniendo a la mano la información de contacto de su compañía de seguros y su número de póliza.   Familiarícese también con el proceso para presentar una reclamación al seguro de vivienda.  Después de un desastre, tenga cuidado con las estafas de contratistas. Contrate únicamente a contratistas locales con buena reputación, y nunca pague la cantidad total por adelantado. Más información Antes de la tormentaConsejos para la recuperaciónDesastres: cómo prepararse y recuperarseLa Función de TDI en un Desastre00:00 Respuesta ante desastres: cómo ayuda el Departamento de Seguros 00:40 ¿Cómo se prepara TDI antes de que ocurra un desastre en Texas? 01:49 ¿Qué hace el Equipo de Respuesta ante Desastres de TDI? 03:10 ¿Qué es un centro de recuperación de desastres? 05:04 ¿Qué tipo de coberturas del seguro de vivienda son necesarias en caso de desastre? 07:56 ¿Cómo deben de prepararse los texanos ante de un desastre? 10:10 ¿Cómo ayuda TDI a los texanos a recuperarse después de un desastre? 12:21 ¿A qué estafas debe de estar pendiente después de un desastre? 13:50 Si tiene preguntas sobre seguros visite: https://tdi.texas.gov/ o llame al 800-252-3439

    Respuesta ante desastres: cómo ayuda el Departamento de Seguros

  4. May 14

    Disaster Assistance Response: How TDI helps

    Storms can hit fast, but a little preparation goes a long way. Find out how Texans can protect their homes, understand their insurance needs, and get help after a disaster.   Review your insurance coverage   Whether you’re facing hurricane season, floods, tornadoes, or hailstorms, the right insurance coverage matters. Ask yourself:  Can I afford my deductible? Will I need a hotel if my home is damaged? Do I have enough coverage for my personal belongings? Review your policy twice a year to make sure your coverage and deductibles still fit your needs. You can compare premium rates at HelpInsure.com.  How does TDI help after a disaster?  After major disasters, FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management can open Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in affected communities. These centers bring together federal and state agencies to help Texans navigate recovery.  TDI staff are on-site at DRCs to guide you through the claims process, answer questions, and help you file an insurance complaint if needed  If you can't visit a center in person, call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439.   How can I recover faster after a disaster?  Prepare yourself to recover from a disaster faster by keeping your insurance company’s contact information and your policy number handy. Also become familiar with how to file a homeowners insurance claim.  After disaster strikes, watch out for contractor scams. Only hire reputable local contractors and roofers, and never pay the full amount upfront.  Learn More: Before the stormWhat to do after a stormDisasters: how to prepare and recoverTDI’s Role in a Disaster00:00 Disaster Assistance Response: How TDI helps 00:23 How does TDI prepare before a disaster hits Texas?  01:19 What is TDI’s Disaster Assistance Response Team?  01:38 How should Texans get prepared for disasters?  01:58 What kind of homeowners insurance coverages help when there is a disaster?  02:26 What is a Disaster Recovery Center?  03:05 How does TDI help Texans recover after a disaster?  03:23 What scams should you look out for after a disaster?   04:26 If you have insurance questions visit https://tdi.texas.gov/ or call 800-252-3439

    Disaster Assistance Response: How TDI helps

  5. Apr 9

    Everyone needs a fire escape plan

    Every second counts during a fire and having a clear exit strategy saves lives —whether you’re at home, a hotel, or a business. Knowing how fast fires can spread and preparing before an emergency strikes are the best ways to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. Why is it important to have an exit strategy? When a fire starts, you don’t have time to figure out what to do. You may have less than two or three minutes to escape. Fires spread fast because many household and business items are made with fast-burning plastics. How do you prepare for a fire when traveling? When you check into a hotel, find the two closest exits or stairwells. Count how many doors are between your room and the nearest exit. If the hallway fills with smoke, you can crawl low along the floor and find your way out by counting the doors. Is it safe to use the stairway during a fire? Yes. Stairways are fire-rated, smoke protected spaces. Once you enter the stairway and close the door behind you, it takes time for fire or smoke to reach that area. Where do I go during a fire if I can’t climb stairs? Many office buildings and high-rises have an “area of refuge” inside the stairwell. It’s a protected space where people with mobility challenges can wait for help. How to keep your dogs, cats, and other pets safe from fire How to protect your family from a home fire Have an exit strategy campaign

    Everyone needs a fire escape plan

  6. Feb 12

    How to get a Texas insurance agent license

    If you’re an insurance agent or adjuster with questions about licensing in Texas, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re applying for your first license or preparing for renewal, this guide answers the most common questions about Texas insurance licensing. How long does it take TDI to review my insurance license application? The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) typically reviews license applications within one business day. If your application is complete, accurate, and free of qualification issues, you could receive your license as soon as the next business day. After submitting your application, watch for any follow-up questions from TDI and respond promptly to avoid delay. How often do Texas insurance agents need to renew their license? Your Texas insurance license expires every two years on the last day of your birth month. For first time applicants, the initial license term may be shorter so that future renewals match your birth month. What do agents need to do to keep their Texas insurance license active? To maintain your insurance license, you must renew it every other year before it expires at the end of your birth month. The renewal process calls for completing all required continuing education (CE) hours, submitting your renewal application, and paying the renewal fee. There’s a $25 fee if it’s late. How many CE credits do I need to renew my Texas insurance license? Most Texas insurance licenses require 24 hours of CE every two years, including three hours of ethics courses. At least half of all CE hours must be in a classroom or classroom equivalent setting. CE requirements vary by license, so check the requirements for your specific license type. If you miss your CE deadline: You’ll be fined $50 per late credit hour, up to $500.Your license will not renew until you:Complete all required CE.Pay the CE fine.Submit your renewal application.Pay the late fee, if applicable.If you don’t renew your license within 90 days of the expiration date, your license will become inactive and you’ll have to apply for a new one.Where can I get help with the Texas licensing process? Visit TDI’s Agent/Adjusters page and select the license type. There, you’ll find guidance on: Accessing required forms.Applying for a license. Renewing a license. Changing your address.Updating your name. If you still have questions, call TDI at 512-676-6500 or email license@tdi.texas.gov. Careers in insurance: How to become an insurance agent or adjuster Individual license online renewal or reinstatement guide Continuing education information for agents and adjusters What you need to know about continuing ed Have a question about your agent or adjuster license? 00:00 How to become a licensed insurance agent in Texas 00:35 Who needs an insurance agent license? 01:25 What can you do if you're a licensed insurance agent? 01:50 What are the requirements to become a licensed insurance agent? 02:25 What is the process to get an insurance agent license? 03:40 What types of insurance agent licenses can you get in Texas? 04:16 How fast can you get an insurance agent license in Texas? 04:49 How often do you have to renew your insurance agent license? 05:53 If a licensed insurance agent moves to Texas, how do they update their license? 06:45 How to find insurance agent license on TDI.texas.gov 07:25 For more insurance license questions, call TDI at 512-676-6500 or email license@tdi.texas.gov 07:54 What are licensed insurance agents required to do to maintain a license? 10:16 For more info on insurance agent licenses visit TDI’s Agent/Adjusters page or call 800-252-3439

    How to get a Texas insurance agent license

  7. Jan 15

    Check your health plan, you might find hidden benefits

    Find out about lesser-known benefits, learn where to get coverage details, and connect with trusted resources for more help. What are some health plan benefits people don’t know about? Some health plans offer wellness programs, gym membership discounts, smoking cessation programs, and certain diabetes equipment. Will my plan pay for online doctor’s visits? It’s common for health plans to offer coverage for online doctor appointments. This service is often called telemedicine or telehealth. It just means you can get health care in a place other than the doctor’s physical location, like through your computer or phone. Can I get free annual wellness checkups? Many health plans offer free annual screenings for prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and certain cardiovascular screenings if you have a family history of cardiovascular issues or certain artery problems. How do I find out what my health plan offers? Health plans must cover certain mandated benefits described in your coverage documents. Get answers about what your health plan covers by reading your policy and evidence of coverage documents. They explain what’s covered and what isn’t. If you still have questions, contact your health plan’s customer service or the insurance agent who helped you sign up. Who can help me with a surprise medical bill? Explore resources on TDI’s website - https://www.tdi.texas.gov/ - or call our Consumer Help Line at 800-252-3439. A representative can answer your questions and help you file a complaint, if needed. We answer calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. 00:00 Do you know everything your health plan offers? 00:40 What services does your health plan have to offer? 01:24 What other services does your health plan offer? 02:23 What free services does your health plan offer? 04:26 What extra services does your health plan offer? 05:31 What kind of vaccinations does your health plan offer? 06:09 How can you find out all the services your health plan offers? 07:29 For more info on health insurance visit our website or call 800-252-3439

    Check your health plan, you might find hidden benefits

  8. 12/11/2025

    Is your car ready for winter weather?

    Learn what you can do to stay safe when you hit the road this winter with the Texas Department of Public Safety. What do people need to know about Texas roads in the winter? Even though the weather looks clear, when the temperature dips below freezing, bridges and overpasses can form black ice that you can't see. What is a big factor in winter driving accidents? Tires play a big role in how well your vehicle handles ice, snow, and rain. At your next oil change, have your mechanic check the tread depth on your tires and replace them if they’re worn out. Make sure your tires have the right air pressure. What's the most common issue on icy roads? Texas highways have some of the fastest speed limits in the nation at 70 to 80 mph. When it’s freezing and there's a danger of ice, slow down below the speed limit – maybe even 40 to 50 mph – just to be safe. Be aware of what's going on around you. In wintry conditions, how much following distance do you give the vehicle in front of you? Give yourself plenty of following distance. In clear weather, keep at least three to four car lengths between you and the car in front of you. In icy or snowy weather, you might triple that following distance. Any other tips for winter driving? Take your time if you have to go out. Clear any ice off the windshield, hood, and roof of your vehicle before leaving because these can become dangerous when you hit the road. Slow down, wear your seatbelt, and limit distractions inside the car. Tips for winter driving. 00:00 Is your car ready for winter weather? 00:36 What do people need to know about winter driving on Texas roads? 01:09 What is a big factor in winter driving that leads to accidents? 01:55 How much following distance do you give the vehicle in front of you when winter driving? 02:14 Should you drive with snow and ice on your car? 03:04 How do you prepare your car for winter driving? 03:36 How can you get winter driving roadside assistance in Texas? 04:52 How do you prepare your car tires for winter driving? 06:13 How do you plan ahead for winter driving? For more info on auto insurance visit tdi.texas.gov or call 800-252-3439

    Is your car ready for winter weather?
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The Texas Insurance Podcast is a podcast about the state of insurance in our great state of Texas. We’ll be speaking with experts to pass information along to you about the things you need to know. Subscribe so you don’t miss out on this important information. https://www.tdi.texas.gov

Information

  • Creator
    Texas Department of Insurance
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Texas Department of Insurance
  • Show Website
    The Texas Insurance Podcast