Medicare 101: Medigap
Navigating your Medicare options and getting the most of your plan can be confusing. Our senior health staff is available to provide guidance. A Medicare Supplement Policy (Medigap) is private insurance that helps pay for health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Here are some quick facts about Medigap:
- You must have Medicare Parts A and B to be able to buy a Medigap policy.
- The best time to purchase a policy is on the first day of the month you turn 65 and/or enroll in Part B.
- Medigap does NOT cover prescription drugs. For prescription drugs you must get a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that works with Original Medicare.
- Your monthly premium will vary depending on the plan you choose.
Our senior health staff advises Medicare beneficiaries to seek Medicare counseling when trying to decide which policy meets your needs and budget. You can reach us at 1-800-259-5300.
Quick Facts: Auto Theft & Burglary
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, auto theft rates increased in 2020 compared with 2019. The Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) works hard to combat vehicle theft and other criminal acts. A few quick steps can help you stay ahead of thieves.
- Whether day or night, in the driveway or garage, always lock your vehicle, close the windows and activate the alarm.
- If you have a garage, use it and lock it.
- Don’t keep items with personal info in your vehicle, such as ID cards, mail, a laptop or credit/debit cards.
- Keep an eye out for suspicious activity such as strange cars cruising around your neighborhood.
If you become a victim of auto theft, contact law enforcement and alert others in the community to be aware of the threat of car burglary.
Did You Know?
The Louisiana Department of Insurance’s Office of Consumer Advocacy and Diversity is available to assist you and answer your insurance questions. The office works to educate consumers and make sure your rights are upheld in accordance with the Policyholders Bill of Rights.
The office also houses the Division of Diversity and Opportunity. Some of the division’s activities include providing training seminars and programs, working with minority churches, and working with Louisiana high schools and universities to promote insurance literacy to help students learn about the industry.
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