FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2016

Medicare Beneficiaries Saved Nearly $1 Million during Open Enrollment with Help from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program

Louisiana senior citizens and others on Medicare were able to save nearly $1 million with help from the Louisiana Department of Insurance Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) during the recent Open Enrollment Period. SHIIP counselors aided more than 10,000 beneficiaries by reviewing their Medicare plan options and helping them choose a plan that best fits their needs.

“We realize that many folks on Medicare live on a tight budget, so we want to make sure that they select the best plan for them and help them use their Medicare coverage most effectively,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. “Counselors also work with beneficiaries to determine if they qualify for any programs that could help with the cost of expenses including prescription drugs, co-pays and medical devices.”

SHIIP is charged with providing Medicare beneficiaries with objective, free and unbiased information and counseling to help them better understand their options, rights and benefits.

While SHIIP is housed at the Louisiana Department of Insurance, the program has trained counselors across the state. Medicare beneficiaries can seek free in-person assistance from counselors in their community by accessing the SHIIP Partners interactive map online or by calling the Louisiana Department of Insurance at 1-800-259-5300.  

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.