Volume 12, Issue 10
October 2021

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

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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

 

Hurricane Ida Recovery

The Louisiana Department of Insurance is here and ready to help you on the road to recovery following Hurricane Ida. As you navigate the claims process, remember to keep a record of your conversations with insurance personnel including the person’s name and the time and date of the call. If damage to your home has left you in need of a contractor, be careful. Before any work is started, request a clearly worded, itemized contract with the name of the builder included. Review it with the contractor and make sure you understand and agree with its contents before the contract is signed. The contract should include the following:

  • A separate breakout of labor and cost of materials.
  • An agreed upon schedule for the homeowner to make payments as construction milestones are achieved.
  • The contractor’s responsibility to get all required permits.
  • The date the project is to begin and the date it is to be completed.
  • Proof of insurance coverage from the start date to the finish date.
  • A statement guaranteeing that the work area will be left in its original condition when the job is done.

If possible, go one step further and ask that the contractor’s insurance carrier mail a certificate of insurance coverage directly to you. Finally, don’t do business with a company that demands money from you before repairs are made.


 

senior couple checking stats

Assessing Your Health Care Needs

Medicare beneficiaries and those turning 65 soon are urged to start thinking about their 2022 health care options. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to make changes to your coverage or switch to a plan that better meets your needs and budget. Our SHIIP staff is available to help you understand plans that are available and the benefits each include. You can begin comparing plans now and you can start making changes to your health or drug coverage October 15 - December 7. New coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2022, if you make a change.

If you have questions call us at 800-259-5300, option 2. Follow our SHIIP Facebook page here.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Medicare Open Enrollment

What can beneficiaries do during the Medicare Open Enrollment period?

  • Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. 
  • Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
  • Drop Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan (MA Plan)?

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are offered by private companies that Medicare pays to cover hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) benefits. Some MA Plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D) and some provide vision and dental services.

What is a Medicare Supplement Policy (Medigap)?

A Medigap policy is private insurance that helps pay for health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.

What is the Medicare Savings Program?

The Medicare Savings Program can help pay Medicare premiums, and in some cases, may also pay Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. This program, also known as Medicare Buy-in, helps people with Medicare who have limited income and resources. It is administered by the Louisiana Department of Health.

How can SHIIP counselors help you?

If you are new to Medicare, counselors can explain how it works, what is covered and what costs you are responsible for paying. Counselors help seniors make informed decisions by providing free and unbiased guidance via telephone or face-to-face interactive sessions.

 


Upcoming Events

Hurricane Ida Resource Center

Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Council on Aging Building
624 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA

Hurricane Ida Resource Center

Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Macy's Building at the Esplanade Mall
Kenner, LA

Council on Aging Drive-Thru Resource Festival

Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Castine Center - Pelican Park Parking Lot
63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, LA

 

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


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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