From the Desk of Commissioner Tim Temple
The Louisiana Department of Insurance has taken steps to better protect property from potential damage caused by hurricanes and other disasters. We are approaching the peak of what is predicted to be an active hurricane season and must be ready for what Mother Nature throws at us. Though we can’t control the weather, we can reinforce our structures to protect against potential damage. That’s why we passed new measures during this Legislative Session to strengthen the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. The program, which grants up to $10,000 to homeowners who upgrade their roof to the stronger FORTIFIED standard, demonstrates the LDI’s commitment to increasing the resiliency of Louisiana’s homes and businesses. Over 3,000 grant applications have been submitted, and I’m happy to report that we recently installed the 1,000th FORTIFIED-certified roof. Though much work remains to be done, we are going to continue working to improve building standards so we are better prepared for future hurricane seasons.
Prepare for the Peak of Hurricane Season
September marks the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the Louisiana Department of Insurance is reminding policyholders to be ready and prepared. Now it is a good time to review your insurance coverages with your agent or company and stock up on supplies like food, flashlights and medication. Here are some other quick steps to prepare:
- Purchase flood insurance
- Update your home inventory list
- Save copies of your policies and your agent’s contact information
- Make an evacuation plan
There are also resources available at the department to help you prepare for the impact of tropical weather and begin the claims process following the storm. Click here for additional information.
Back to School Safety
With a new school year comes the return of school buses and school zones. All vehicles must stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended. Also, avoid using mobile devices or cell phones while driving through school zones during posted hours. Here are more safe driving tips:
Buckle Up. Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries after a crash.
Maintain Speed Limits. Obey all speed limits and watch out for hazardous road conditions.
Avoid Distracted Driving. Limit distractions and never use electronic devices while driving.
Medicare: Open Enrollment Begins October 15
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and runs through December 7. Now is the time for you to understand your options and the importance of protecting your personal information. Because health plans and prescription drug coverage can change each year, you should confirm that your health care provider and pharmacy will be in your plan’s network. You should also verify that your medications will be covered. If you are considering changing plans, keep the following in mind:
- Do you have health insurance from another source?
- Do you have any chronic conditions?
- Which doctors and hospital do you use?
- Which prescriptions do you need and what pharmacy do you use?
Be on the lookout for scammers who try to defraud Medicare beneficiaries during open enrollment. Our counselors advise you to ignore unsolicited calls and contact SHIIP (1-800-259-5300) or Senior Medicare Patrol (877-272-8720) if you have questions about Medicare.
Upcoming Events
TRIAD Workshop
Who: St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office
Date: September 11
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: VFW Hall - Post 8971
3809 Hwy 190, Eunice
Insurance 101
Date: September 11
Time: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: East New Orleans Regional Library
5641 Read Blvd., New Orleans
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Date: September 12
Time: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Register
Ascension GOP Roundtable
Date: September 12
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Clarion Inn & Conference Center
1500 Hwy 30, Gonzales
Pennington Men's Health Summit
Date: September 14
Time: 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge
Town Hall Meeting "Homeowners & Fortified"
Date: September 17
Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts - Ellis Marsalis Jazz Studio
2800 Chartres St., New Orleans
Insurance 101
Date: September 17
Time: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Sanchez Multi-Service Center
1616 Fats Domino Ave., New Orleans
Opelousas Elderly Awareness Seminar
Date: September 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Sunset Civic Center
108 Leo Richard Lane, Sunset
State of the Market
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and Bob Brooks Real Estate School
Date: September 18
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Sullivan's Steakhouse
5252 Corporate Blvd., Baton Rouge
New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors Lunch & Learn
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Date: September 18
Time: 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: NOMAR Southshore Office
3645 N 10 Service Road West, Metairie
Insurance Symposium
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Date: September 24
Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: LITE Center
537 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette
Insurance 101
Date: September 25
Time: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Norman Mayer Library
3001 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans
Homeowners 101
Who: Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Housing Corporation
Date: September 26
Time: 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register
NAACP Louisiana State Convention
Date: September 26 - September 28
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Horseshoe Bossier City Hotel and Casino
711 Horseshoe Blvd., Bossier City
AARP Shreveport Legal Clinic and Resource Fair
Date: September 28
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Airport Park Recreation Center
6500 Kennedy Drive, Shreveport
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