Volume 13, Issue 9
  September 2022

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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, call 225- 219-0619 or send an email to: consumeradvocacy@ldi.la.gov.




Stay Prepared This Hurricane Season

The Louisiana Department of Insurance reminds residents to stay alert as we approach the peak of storm season. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Update your home inventory. Information such as purchase dates and receipts can help when it is time to make a claim for damages. Take photos and videos of your residence, property, and belongings.

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 insurance policies, banking information, social security cards and other important information.

Contact your agent. Make sure you understand your coverage and deductibles and confirm that your agent has your correct contact information.

Visit our Hurricane Resource Center for more information.


 

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Insurance 101: Life Insurance

The month of September is Life Insurance Awareness Month and a time to review your options before purchasing a policy. Life insurance is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance company in which the policy owners or payer agrees to pay a defined amount, the insurer agrees to pay a sum of money upon the death of the insured person, and the beneficiary will receive benefits upon the death of the insured. There are two basic types of life insurance: term life insurance and cash value. Term life insurance is a policy that is purchased for a period of time. It pays money to the named beneficiaries if the insured dies during the term. A cash value life insurance policy is a type of insurance where the premiums charged are higher at the beginning than they would be for the same amount of term insurance. Before purchasing a policy, here are questions to ask an agent:

  • Will the policy values change year to year?
  • Does the policy have a cash value?
  • Am I required to pay the premiums on a set schedule?

If you have questions about a policy, contact us at 800-259-5300.


 

Medicare

 

Medicare: What to Expect Heading into Open Enrollment

Our senior health staff urges Medicare beneficiaries to stay vigilant as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) begins providing important information ahead of the 2023 Open Enrollment period. CMS will provide all beneficiaries with a “Medicare & You” handbook this fall. It outlines your benefits, rights, and protections and lists available health and drug plans. Also, CMS will alert a Medicare beneficiary if they no longer automatically qualify for Extra Help Program.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15. SHIIP Director Vicki Dufrene shares important Medicare updates on our Facebook Live Series, Leave it to Vicki.


 

Continuing education credits

 

Register Now

Our Division of Diversity and Opportunity will hold a free Business Building Blocks Webinar on October 19. Licensed producers will be able to receive two hours of continuing education credit. The webinar will cover a variety of topics including cybersecurity and errors and omissions insurance. Click here to view the agenda and register.

 


Upcoming Events

Preparing for Hurricane Season - Know Your Policy

Who: LDI Office of Consumer Advocacy and Waggaman Civic Association
Date: Sept. 7, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Waggaman Playground
516 Dandelion Drive,Westwego

Who: LDI Office of Consumer Advocacy and Lower Garden District Association
Date
: Sept. 19, 2022
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Felicity Church
1220 Felicity Street, New Orleans

 

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


Stay Connected with the LDI

Keep up with tips and news from the LDI, including newsletters, press releases and videos by connecting with us through social media. 


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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