A Hodgepodge of Information

​Today’s post will cover a little bit about a whole lot. Let’s begin with Medicare…
 
As licensed agents, we receive information from the Department of Insurance. The latest was urging Seniors to “be vigilant against Medicare Scams during open enrollment (AEP) which ends on December 7th.”
 
We can’t stress this enough. 

​The newsletter also warned against “high pressure” sales tactics.

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Medicare has rules each and every agent must abide by, the main one being “no soliciting.” Medicare will not call you. Nor will a local, trained, Medicare agent.
 
Because it is against Medicare law!
 
These telemarketers who phone to “review” your information might be licensed, but they are breaking Medicare rules. Any information you give them may result in switching your Medicare plan unbeknownst to YOU.
 
And not always with YOUR best interests at heart.
 
If you feel you have been defrauded or switched into a Medicare plan that does not benefit you, you are not stuck! Reach out to Louisiana Department of Insurance’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) at 1-800-259-5300 or the Senior Medicare Patrol at 877-272-8720 or visit www.stopmedicarefraud.org.
 
In talking with our licensed and trained Medicare agent about the 2024 Medicare plans, Connie indicated there are “major” changes on the horizon. Mostly with the Prescription Drug Plans. Be aware that your choice of pharmacy and your list of medications–whether brand name or generic–do make a difference in the proper plan for you. The tiers, deductibles and copayments change every year, and you could be paying more for your plan, or more for your prescriptions, than you need to!
 
This is why it is so important to have a local Medicare agent. If you’re in need of one, give us a call or drop by the office and set an appointment.
 
Next, let’s talk about the Burn Ban.
 
​I know, I know, we’ve gotten some rain, it’s getting cooler, and many parishes are lifting their burn bans, Calcasieu included. Please, please be aware that despite this, we're still very low in annual rainfall and be careful having any type of fire or open flame during your holiday festivities. Check out our Outdoor Fire Safety post for tips.
 
And finally, as I mentioned in last month’s post, holidays mean the kids are out of school and there is more traffic on the road. Daylight Savings Time means late night shopping. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your children with you at all times, do not allow them to wander off by themselves. Practice safety at all times and in every situation.
 
We here at Curtis Insurance/Curtis & Associates, wish you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. We will be closed on Thursday (23rd) and Friday (24th) in observance of the holiday but will open during normal business hours (9-5) on Monday (27th).
 
Until next time, take care and be Blessed.
Tommy Curtis and Staff

PS: We’d like to think the information provided on our blog is beneficial to everyone. If you have a topic, you’d like for us to cover, reach out to our staff writer at: [email protected]

​Disclaimers:
ALL material on this blog is available for informational purposes only.
 
Life, Health and Medicare Products marketed through Curtis & Associates Financial Services, Inc.
{A Life and Health Agency}
 
Medicare has neither endorsed nor reviewed this information.
Not connected or affiliated with any United States Government or State agency.
Calling this number will direct you to a licensed Agent/Broker.
 
*By contacting us and providing information, you agree that an authorized representative or licensed insurance agent may contact you by phone, e-mail or mail to answer your questions and provide additional information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
 
 Article © 2023 Pamela S Thibodeaux