Open Enrollment Reminders
A few important deadlines are approaching if you are planning to secure health care coverage. Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7. Our listing of Medicare Advantage Plans by Parish can help you compare options and select the best plan for your budget. Our Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff can answer your questions and provide guidance.
If you’re not on Medicare or Medicaid and don’t get health insurance through your job, enrollment for individual health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace ends December 15. Remember to review doctors and other providers in a plan’s network. Your health care coverage will begin January 1 if you choose a plan by the deadline. Contact an agent to help review your options.
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Understanding Your Healthcare Rights: If Your Claim is Denied
A review of your health insurance policy can help you understand your summary of benefits and coverage. Your policy should indicate the procedures to follow to appeal a claim if it was denied. If you receive notice from your insurer that your claim was denied, make a list of questions you have about the claim denial and start gathering important documents, such as your policy, the summary of benefits, and the denial letter.
The usual procedure for appealing a claim denial involves submitting a letter to the insurance company requesting that your claim be reconsidered and giving specific reasons why you believe your claim should be paid. When composing your letter, be as detailed as possible; explain why your procedure or medication is necessary and should be paid for under your insurance policy. With your letter, include evidence that supports your claim, such as medical records, x-rays, lab results, or a letter from your physician that explains why the treatment is medically necessary. If you or your doctor feels that the denial of your claim could be life threatening, you can ask that your appeal be expedited. Keep a copy of everything you send to the insurance company for your records.
If the health insurance company denies your internal appeal, you may be able to request an external review by an impartial independent review organization. For more information, see your FAQs on the appeals process.
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Protecting Your Furry Friend
Just like health insurance for you or a family member, there are several types of pet insurance policies. A pet health insurance policy reimburses the pet owner for covered veterinary care. As with your health insurance policy, these policies typically itemize covered treatments, deductibles (the amount you’re responsible to pay) and lifetime or per illness maximums. The cost of a pet health insurance policy will vary based on the amount of coverage, the type of coverage, the species and age of the pet, and even what breed of animal.
If you’re considering pet insurance for your four-legged family member, there are several types of pet insurance policies to consider.
Pet health insurance policy. Reimburses the pet owner for covered veterinary care. The policies typically itemize covered treatments, deductibles and lifetime or per illness maximums.
Pet life insurance policy. Covers end of life costs for your animal. This can include burial or cremation expenses and even bereavement counseling for you and your family.
Pet injury coverage. May be part of your auto insurance policy. It covers the treatments of a pet injured in a car accident up to a set limit. Check with your insurance agent or company to determine if your auto policy includes coverage for a pet traveling in the car with you.
If you decide to purchase a policy shop around, compare policy benefits, deductibles, limits, and exclusions.
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Did You Know?
Louisiana has a law that may help put an end to some of the traffic congestion along roadways. The Louisiana Move It law requires drivers, in the event of a crash, to remove their vehicle from the travel lanes. Drivers are required to move so long as:
- There are no fatalities or serious injuries.
- The vehicle is not disabled by the crash.
- The driver is not prevented by injury from moving the vehicle.
The Move It law was created to reduce the risk of other crashes and to restore the flow of traffic.
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Preventing Auto Theft
The countdown to Christmas is underway. It’s time to decorate the tree and shop for the perfect gift for loved ones. While you’re out searching for the best bargains, a few tips can help you avoid becoming a victim of auto theft . Remember, car burglars often seek out unlocked cars so always keep your car doors locked.
- Keep holiday packages out of plain sight.
- Always park in a well-lit area.
- Remove your keys from the ignition.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, New Year’s Day is ranked third among holidays for reported thefts. The Louisiana Department of Insurance wishes you a happy and safe holiday season.
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