Volume 8, Issue 9 September 2017


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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

Louisiana Health Care Commission 2017 Health Care Conference

Date: September 7, 2017
Location: Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
7000 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA

LDI On the Road:Medicare Updates 2018

Date: September 15, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: Sunset Community Center
178 Sunset Strip, Sunset,LA

LDI On the Road: Senior Crime Prevention Expo

Date: September 26, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: Istrouma Baptist Church Student Center
10500 Sam Rushing Drive, Baton Rouge, LA

 

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

Tropical Storm Harvey: Recovery

Some Louisiana residents are cleaning up after Tropical Storm Harvey. Before removing debris or broken belongings, remember to keep an accurate account of damage for your insurance provider. Here are a few tips that can help you navigate the claims process.

  • Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Have your policy available if you need to file a claim. Find out whether the damage is covered under the terms of your policy. If you need help or have questions, contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
  • Minimize your losses and document the damage. Take photos of any damage and then make whatever reasonable temporary repairs are needed. 
  • Keep your receipts. If you are unable to stay in your home due to damage from a storm, keep your receipts for lodging, food and essentials. Your policy may cover a portion of the costs while you are temporarily relocated.
  • For vehicle owners affected by storm damage. If you have comprehensive coverage through your vehicle policy, you should be covered for damage. Review your policy or contact your agent to determine the type of coverage you have.

If you need help filing a claim or you believe an insurance company is not properly handling your claim, contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
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eyeglasses on insurance paper

Insurance 101: Life Insurance

September is life insurance awareness month. Life insurance can provide financial protection for loved ones should the policyholder unexpectedly die. It comes in two main forms: term insurance and whole life insurance.

Term life insurance. Pays out if you die during the policy term. This type of policy may be appropriate if you are the primary wage earner for your family or if your spouse relies on you to pay the mortgage.

Whole life insurance. Builds cash value and pays a death benefit, and are more expensive than term life insurance policies. The cash value is the accumulation of premiums collected minus expenses and charges.  

Although the Louisiana Department of Insurance does not have a list of life insurance policies in Louisiana, we can help you attempt to locate life insurance information on a deceased relative via the Life Insurance Policy Search request form.

If you have a life insurance policy, review it with your agent every few years to make sure it meets your needs. Click here to watch a video and learn more about life insurance.
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Retirement Security

Early Retirement Health Insurance Options:

Bridging a Coverage Gap Between Retirement and Medicare

The idea of early retirement can be exciting. For some in this age group, a lifetime of working means a good pension and benefits after they leave the day-to-day grind, but more and more companies are converting retirement benefits, leaving the boomer generation in the tough position of finding alternative health insurance coverage. Health insurance can become harder to obtain and more expensive prior to Medicare eligibility at age 65, if not provided through an employer.

If you are considering early retirement or need to consider retirement health insurance options, here are some tips for what to consider in your decision:

Spouse's Policy. If your spouse is still employed and has access to benefits, see if you can be added to the policy. While your spouse may have to pay more for the coverage, this is likely your most affordable option.

Individual Coverage. These plans can be expensive, especially if you are on medications or have a chronic health condition.

COBRA. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) lets former employees and their dependents continue their coverage for up to 18 months. While your employer cannot refuse coverage through COBRA, it is unlikely that they will continue to subsidize the premium. They may also charge an administrative fee.

What to Consider When Comparing Policy Options

Coverages - Make sure that you understand the terms and coverages of the policy. The lowest premium option may not provide the coverages you need for your health status.

  • What are the deductibles or coinsurance payments?
  • What are the limits on coverage?
  • Can you see your current doctor or seek treatment in the same hospitals?
  • Are prescription drugs covered?

Before purchasing an insurance policy, you can contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance to confirm a company and the insurance agent is licensed in the state.

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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