Volume 10, Issue 5 May 2019


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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  

SHIIP and COAST 2019 Medicare Counseling

Date: May 15, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Location: Slidell Senior Center
610 Cousin Street, Slidell, LA

SHIIP and COAST 2019 Medicare Counseling

Date: June 19, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Location: Covington Senior Center
19404 N. 10th Street, Covington, LA

 

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

Vacation Planning Guide

Travel and hotel options top the list of vacation planning points but don’t forget to include insurance.  Reviewing your insurance coverages before a trip can save you big bucks. You may want to consider travel insurance. It's usually between 4 percent to 10 percent of a trip’s cost. There are four main categories of travel insurance:

Trip cancellation. Reimburses pre-paid travel expenses if you are prevented from taking your trip because you become ill or die.

Travel medical. Reimburses medical and emergency dental expenses that you incur because of an illness or injury while you’re traveling.

Emergency medical evaluation. Provides emergency transportation to either a hospital in the geographic region where you are and/or transportation back to a hospital near your home.

Accidental death/Flight accident. Accidental death covers death or dismemberment at any time during a trip while air flight accident covers death or dismemberment during flight only.

Before purchasing a policy, check your paperwork to understand exactly what is covered and pay special attention to coverage limitations and exclusions.

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graduation

 

Tips for New Graduates

Congratulations graduates! Let the celebration begin as you get ready to begin a new chapter. You can get the most out of your money by understanding insurance policies and your needs at this stage in life. Review the list provided before speaking with an insurance professional.

  • Renter's insurance can protect your personal property against damage or loss and also protects you in case someone is injured while in your residence. If you plan to rent an apartment or other residence, do you need renters insurance?

  • Will you be looking for a car soon? Remember to factor in the cost of auto insurance. If the car was a graduation gift or you are jumping off your parents' auto insurance policy, it's time for you to discuss your coverage with an agent.

  • You might be sharing your apartment or house with roommates. In this case, you likely need an individual policy that covers you and your possessions if something should happen. Speaking of your stuff, have you taken an inventory of your personal property recently?

  • As you sort through job prospects, don't make the salary your only consideration. Health insurance is perhaps the most important job-related benefit. Study the health plans prospective employers provide and make inquiries about your options and the out-of-pocket costs. Weigh this against the cost of remaining on a parent's plan. Current law allows you to stay on your parent's plan until you turn 26.

 

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Senior couple with counselor

Stay Alert

Many Medicare beneficiaries are still waiting to receive their new card from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). New Medicare card changes could trigger scams. Your new card will be mailed to you at no cost and your benefits will not change.

The old cards displayed the beneficiary’s social security number. Identity thieves frequently use SSNs to steal identities, open credit cards or take out loans in someone else’s name.  Protect your personal information during this transformation period. Click here to see quick facts about your new Medicare card.  Our Senior Health counselors offer assistance to Medicare beneficiaries throughout Louisiana, call us at 1-800-259-5300.

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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