Volume 7, Issue 10 October 2016


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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

Upcoming Events

LDI On the Road: Viet Health Fair

Date: October 7, 2016
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m
Location: Mary Queen of Vietnam Church
14001 Dwyer Boulevard
New Orleans, LA

Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority Conference

Date: October 12, 2016
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge Hotel
4728 Constitution Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA

 

LDI On the Road: Jerusalem Economic Development Corporation Community Housing and Resource Fair

Date: October 15, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Location: First Pilgrims Baptist Church
1234 Arts Street
New Orleans, LA

LDI On the Road: Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation

Date: October 15, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center
900 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA

LDI On the Road: West Feliciana Parish Hospital 2016 Health Fair

Date: October 29, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Location: West Feliciana Hospital
5266 Commerce Street
St. Francisville, LA

 

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

 

Disaster Recovery: Looking Ahead

As you work through the disaster recovery process take a second look at your insurance policies. It may be time to adjust your policies to meet your new coverage needs. The policy information below can help you evaluate and make sure your property and contents are properly protected.

  • Flood Insurance. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers building and contents coverage. Building coverage will include items such as flooring and the electrical system. Contents coverage will cover items including your personal belongings and furniture.
  • Auto Insurance. If your auto policy includes comprehensive coverage you will probably be covered for damage due to flooding. Liability coverage or liability/collision coverage will not cover flood damage to a vehicle.
  • Renter's Insurance. A short term policy can help you protect your personal property if you're displaced from your home. Talk to your agent as some companies offer endorsements on homeowners policies.

If you’re an NFIP policyholder and have filed a claim following the August flood you must submit a Proof of Loss. It is required before NFIP can make payment. You have until December 2016 to submit the documentation. A Proof of Loss is the amount a policyholder is planning to claim including supporting documents.

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Assessing Your Health Care Needs

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. It’s a chance for seniors and others on Medicare to review their current Medicare health plans and make changes if necessary. It’s important to compare plans and assess your care and prescription needs. If you’re satisfied with your current plan, there is no need to make changes. Medicare health plans take effect January 1, 2017.

Our Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff can help you with your health insurance options. SHIIP provides free Medicare counseling and assistance.  Over the last year more than 45,000 Louisiana Medicare beneficiaries received counseling from our certified SHIIP counselors around the state, providing them with almost $1.2 million in Medicare savings. Click here to find a SHIIP counselor in your community. For more information about open enrollment call us at 1-800-259-5300.

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smoke alarm newsletter

 

Preparing a Life- Saving Plan

October is Fire Prevention Month and an opportunity to map out a plan for you and your family ahead of an emergency. Here are a few tips that can get you on track to planning your escape.

Test your smoke alarms. It’s a good idea to check the alarms monthly and batteries yearly.

Create an escape route. Figure out two different ways to get out of your home and decide on a meeting place that is a safe distance away from your home.

Practice a fire drill. Make sure everyone in your home knows different routes out of the house. Try to practice the drill twice a year.

Fire Prevention Month is a great time to get kids involved in safety practices.

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fraud newsletter

See You There

Disaster fraud and vehicle theft are two of the topics experts will cover at the 2016 Conference on Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft. The conference will take place October 12, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge Hotel. Continuing education credits are available. For more information, please visit www.ldi.la.gov/fraudconference.

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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