Hurricane Season: Stay Prepared
Louisiana residents are reminded to stay alert during the peak of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Update your home inventory. Information such as purchase dates as well as receipts and photographs can help when it is time to make a claim for damages.
Check your property for hazards. During a storm, loose shingles and hanging limbs can become projectiles and cause damage. Click here to view a checklist for tips to reduce your risk of storm damage.
Save important documents. Keep copies of your policies, banking information, social security cards.
Contact your agent. Make sure your contact information is updated.
Visit our Hurricane Resource Center for more information.
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Staying Ahead of Hackers
Identity theft occurs when a person uses your personal information to commit fraud or unlawful activity. Using your social security number or date of birth, someone may open a new credit card or bank account in your name, or even take out a loan using your personal information.
If your purse or wallet is stolen, your driver's license could easily be sold to someone who resembles you. Once a person has your driver's license it is easy to obtain other forms of identification in your name. Your social security number is the most important piece of information a bank needs when extending credit or opening an account. Social security numbers are also used to obtain medical care, file a fraudulent tax return, commit crimes or steal your social security benefits.
Identity theft insurance cannot protect you from becoming a victim of identity theft and does not cover direct monetary losses incurred as a result of identity theft. Rather, this coverage pays for expenses related to reclaiming your financial identity, such as lost wages, attorney fees and documentation reporting. Here are more tips.
- Find out if there is a deductible. Some policies require you to pay the first $100 - $500 of costs incurred for reclaiming your financial identity.
- Remember, identity theft insurance does not cover direct monetary losses.
- If the policy covers lost wages, verify what limits apply and what is required to trigger this coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Medicare
How do I enroll in Medicare? Is it automatic when I turn 65?
Contact Social Security directly before your 65th birthday to avoid a lapse in health coverage. Early retirees receiving Social Security and those with Social Security disability or Railroad Retirement benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare upon eligibility. Enroll online, at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
When do I have to enroll?
The initial enrollment period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. After that, you can still enroll, but you may have to wait for a designated period.
What if I’m still working and have insurance? Do I need to enroll at age 65?
If you are working past age 65 and have insurance from your job, or your spouse’s job, you should contact your plan and review how your coverage will change first.
What does Medicare cover?
It covers a wide range of medically necessary screenings, supplies and procedures. For more information go to www.mymedicarematters.org/coverage/. Covered services are found in the Medicare & You handbook; use the online search tool at www.Medicare.gov to see what is covered, or contact Medicare at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) to inquire about your personal situation.
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