Consumer Alert: Medicare
Medicare beneficiaries are advised to keep an eye out for scammers attempting to retrieve their personal information. The Social Security Administration reports that scammers may pretend to be from a government agency and show fake credentials or badges. The Louisiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) urges Medicare beneficiaries to ignore unsolicited calls, texts or emails offering help with their Medicare benefits. Do not give unsolicited callers your name, your Medicare identification number, or your Social Security number. If you do get an unsolicited call about Medicare, ask the caller for their name and license number, then call Medicare or call our SHIIP program to report what you experienced. You can reach us at 800-259-5300, option 2.
Protect Your Home and Valuables
The summer season is a popular time for travel. Before you pack your bags, review your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Typically, your homeowners insurance will follow you, protecting you even while you’re not at home. If you’re staying at a hotel and your belongings are stolen, your homeowners policy will provide protection, but the exact coverage depends on your policy. There are steps you can take to keep your home and valuables safe while you are away.
- Put interior lights on a timer or choose a few rooms to remain lit to give the impression someone is home.
- Stop mail delivery or have a neighbor collect your mail, newspapers and packages so they don’t stack up outside.
- Have a car parked in your driveway. Another way to make a home look lived in is to have cars coming and going from the driveway throughout the day.
Contact your agent if you have questions about your policy or coverage.
Holiday Safety
The 4th of July holiday brings backyard fun, pool parties and fireworks. The Louisiana Department of Insurance offers the following tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Place all grills far away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Always keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting. Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Stay away from homes and trees when using fireworks.
- Assign at least one adult to the exclusive task of watching kids with fireworks and young swimmers.
Upcoming Events
Preparing for Hurricane Season - Know Your Policy
Date: July 11, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Warren Easton High School
3019 Canal Street, New Orleans
Lafourche Parish Federal Interagency Resource Exchange
Date: July 12, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mathews Complex
4876 LA-1, Mathews
Lake Charles Housing Summit
Date: July 13, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center
900 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles
Urban League
Date: July 13, 2022
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Jazz Market
1436 OC Haley Blvd., New Orleans
Lake Charles Housing Expo
Date: July 14, 2022
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center
900 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles
Preparing of Hurricane Season - Know Your Policy
Date: July 14, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Oakdale Playground
650 Wall Blvd., Gretna
View Louisiana's Open Meetings Law on the legislative website by clicking here.
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