Volume 7, Issue 2 February 2016


SHIIPLogo


Our monthly newsletter addresses consumer insurance topics as well as timely information on issues affecting senior citizens in Louisiana.

consumer-advocacy

To find out if Consumer Advocacy will be in your area or to request a speaker for your organization or group, call (225) 219-0619 or send an email to: consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov


If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please send an email to the following address with "REMOVE FROM CONSUMER ADVOCACY MAILING LIST" in the subject line: public@ldi.la.gov

Upcoming Events

Consumer Advocacy Outreach Tour
2016 Home Show

Date: February 20 and 21, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Monroe Civic Center
401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy, Monroe, LA

Consumer Advocacy Outreach Tour
Pontchartrain Home Show

Date: February 26, 27 and 28, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center
4545 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA

Consumer Advocacy Outreach Tour
Bayou Home Show

Date: March 5 and 6, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Houma Terrebonne Civic Center
346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, LA

2016 Annual Health Care Conference (Hosted by the Louisiana Health Care Commission)

Date: April 12, 2016
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
7000 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

View Louisiana's Open Meetings Law on the legislative website by clicking here.

 

LDI has helped thousands of Louisiana citizens…

Policyholders Recover $5.1 Million with Help from the Louisiana Department of Insurance 

Insurance policyholders in Louisiana were able to collect an additional $5.1 million as a result of assistance provided by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) in 2015. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says these funds are the result of LDI staff working with insurance companies to resolve complaints and are in addition to the original amounts offered to consumers by their insurance companies.

Funds recovered are from formal complaints regarding property and casualty, health, and life and annuities products. The LDI received 3,667 consumer complaints from January through December 2015. In 2014 the LDI helped consumers recover $4,484,077.67 and there were just under 3,000 complaints filed.

Consumer Insurance Dispute Settlements (January 1 – December 31, 2015)

Insurance Product

Complaints Filed

Funds Recovered

Health

1,308

$996,543.18

Life & Annuities

602

$2,505,520.25

Property & Casualty

1,757

$1,644,042.55

Total

3,667

$5,146,105.98

 

Assistance is Available Statewide

 help-contact-note edited 1

The LDI staff is always ready to help consumers with information, guidance and claims assistance. Read on for five ways LDI can help with your insurance concerns:

  1. If you need help contacting your insurance company, we can help. If you need help contacting your insurance company, or have questions about the terms of your policy, you can contact us for assistance. Hear from one policyholder who contacted the LDI by clicking here.
  2. Our staff offers free, unbiased help with Medicare. The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the Louisiana Department of Insurance can provide you free and unbiased help with your Medicare options. We have trained counselors across the state who can help you. Just call us or visit the SHIIP webpage.
  3. Not satisfied with the resolution of your claim? Ask us for help. Each year, the LDI recovers millions of dollars in additional claims payments for policyholders. These funds are the result of our staff working with insurance companies to resolve complaints and are in addition to the original amounts offered to consumers by their insurance companies. You can learn more about the Office of Consumer Services here.
  4. Request help finding a lost life insurance policy. If you need help finding out if a loved one had a life insurance policy, you can contact us and request a search.  
  5. Did your homeowners insurance deny a claim you feel is valid? Let us review your claim. Before you give up on collecting on a claim you believe is valid under the terms of your insurance policy, file an online complaint with LDI here.

 

Help for Medicare Recipients

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), staffed by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, helps Medicare beneficiaries better understand their Medicare coverage options and benefits. Counselors help seniors make informed decisions by providing free and unbiased guidance via telephone or face-to-face interactive sessions. We have tools and tips that can help you understand your benefits through Medicare and how to get the care you need.

Ron Williams, a Medicare Specialist, gives presentations on Medicare and trains SHIIP partners across the state to guide, aid, counsel, inform and educate the public on the Medicare program and its requirements and benefits. Whether you are turning 65 and have Medicare questions or are already enrolled and need assistance with claiming your benefits, LDI SHIIP partners can help you.

Ron’s top three tips for consumers that don’t know where to start with their Medicare questions are:

  1. Read through the Medicare and You publication mailed to you. (You can also find a copy here.) This book has information about what each part of Medicare covers starting on page 15.
  2. Find help with Medicare costs on our website, including a list of organizations that can help with insurance premiums as well as prescription coverage.
  3. Use our interactive tool to find out where our SHIIP partners are located in your area.

 

counselor with consumers

How can we help you?

LDI is committed to assisting consumers at all stages of life, from insuring their first car to Medicare assistance. The Department has many different ways of interacting with the public, from telephone hotlines and the Department website, to events all over the state. Consumers may file a formal complaint online by going to www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices. Consumers may also file a complaint by visiting the LDI and meeting with an insurance specialist who can help them with the process. Appointments are not required and LDI keeps staff members available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Policyholders who file a complaint will receive a tracking number which they can use to check the progress of their case online.

 

Stay Connected with the LDI

Keep up with tips and news from the LDI, including newsletters, press releases and videos, by connecting with us through social media.


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Office of Consumer Advocacy
(225) 219-0619 or (800) 259-5300

P.O Box 94214
www.ldi.la.gov

Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9214
consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov