Spring has sprung and so much has happened lately there's no doubt change is in the air.

Last week we had a full solar eclipse, a comet pass close to the earth and a crazy storm! 

I don't know if it was a named storm but she sure was angry as all get out - thunder and lightning, torrential rains, and tossing out tornadoes left and right.

What does this have to do with Insurance?

Everything!

If you haven't reviewed your insurance policies wouldn't now be a good time to do so?

Springtime brings people out of the house, gardening, landscaping, cleaning and otherwise beautifying their home and yard. After the wildfires of last year, please practice outdoor fire safety stay up to date on burn bans in the area.

Hurricane season is fast approaching. Are you prepared? Do you know what your homeowner policy does and does not cover? What about your automobile or flood policies? Are you familiar with Binding Restrictions and when/why they go in effect?

Along with longer days we have kids going to prom and school is ending soon so watch out for those young drivers! Especially those in Driver's Ed or newly licensed. AND beware of the folks using e-bikes for transportation.

Kids will be kids so pay close attention in neighborhoods and country roads where they may be driving a cart or operating/riding an ATV. Boats are out and about on our local waterways. Is yours properly insured?

Summer is right around the corner and with it vacation and travel plans. Is your RV, Motorhome or Camper properly insured? If you're taking a trip abroad, have you renewed your passport and/or purchased travel insurance?

Are you turning 65 this summer? Have you gotten your Medicare insurance in place? Don't call the number on a television ad and be careful to avoid the Medicare scams out there. Why not, shop local and contact our experienced, knowledgeable Medicare agent? 

Just a few reminders of what's important over the next few months.

Until next time, take care and get out and enjoy the beautiful weather as often as you can!

Tommy Curtis and Staff

We are right in the middle of Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) where Medicare members can make a one-time change to their Medicare Advantage plan. Both Medicare AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) and OEP are fraught with television ads featuring celebrities--who, I'll bet my last dollar know absolutely nothing about Medicare--advising you to call some toll-free number and have your Medicare plan reviewed. 

Now, marketing companies have gotten creative showing men or women in scrubs or a lab coat urging you to do the same before March 31st when OEP ends.

Do NOT Make That Call!

These people are actors, not actual doctors, nurses or Medicare experts. They know absolutely nothing about Medicare nor are they familiar with Your Situation, or Your Provider Network in Your Parish.

If you are new to Medicare or unhappy with the Medicare Advantage plan you joined during AEP, please give Connie, our local, educated, trained, and seasoned, Medicare Agent a call at: 337-310-2253

Until next time, be aware of those who proport to know more about what you need in a Medicare plan when they are usually operating from whole other state!

Tommy Curtis and Staff
​

​It’s time for our annual Medicare update where we outline the changes to Medicare for 2024. But before we get into 2024 fees and deductibles, here is a reminder of a couple of major changes in 2023….
 
The new Prescription drug law that went into effect Jan. 2023 improved access to many drugs and made those such as insulin much more affordable. Also, individuals whose full Medicare coverage ended 36 months after a kidney transplant and who do not have certain other types of insurance coverage can elect to continue Part B coverage of immunosuppressive drugs by paying a premium.
 
For 2024, the standard immunosuppressive drug premium is $103.00.
 
This was and still is great news for people with ESRD (end stage renal disease)!
 
Now on to the never ending changes in premiums and deductibles for Medicare enrollees…

• We here at Curtis Insurance would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Happy & Prosperous New Year!

We appreciate your business and look forward to serving your Auto, Recreational Vehicle. and Medicare insurance needs in 2024.
​

Please Note: We will be closed December 25th and January 1st in honor of the holidays but will resume normal business hours (9-5) on Tuesday, December 26th and Tuesday January 2nd.

​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.

It's cooling down here in SWLA and relief from 100 degrees is definitely welcome but don't be fooled. Cooler does not mean our drought is over.

We are still dangerously lacking in annual rainfall and the humidity is severely low for this time of year, making fires of any sort, a hazard. 

In fact, the burn ban is still in effect across the entire state except for Allen and Ascension parishes! Check out last month's post for more information.

One great thing about fall is the cooler temps will help us avoid hurricanes, although we still need to be aware and alert for Gulf storms. So, stay prepared!

Some folks are not a fan of colder temperatures and will be using their space heaters from here on through winter. Please be aware of safety measures when it comes to heating your home.

Many choose fall for their family vacations. If you're one of them, check out our travel tips and have a wonderful time!

Medicare AEP is open and it's time for Medicare recipients to review their coverage. If you are in need of a local Medicare agent, give us a call. Remember, you only have until December 7th to make changes to your Medicare insurance coverage. Don't put it off until the last minute and risk losing out on benefits that may be available to you!

With fall comes Halloween and then we barrel into the Holiday season. Remember, kids will be out and about more and more as the year comes to an end. Stay alert and practice safe driving and holiday safety.

As we move into the last quarter of 2023, we here at Curtis Insurance know and understand the value of kindness and gratitude and we'd like to take this time to Thank YOU ALL for your patronage. We appreciate your business and ask if you are happy with our services, please consider leaving a Google review.

Until next time take care and remember.... in life you receive what you give, multiplied, therefore give good things, loving thoughts, kind words and deeds.

Tommy Curtis and Staff

​Spring is in the air and we’re almost through the first quarter of 2023. How are you holding up in respect to the resolutions and goals you set for this year?

In previous posts we’ve shared Stress Busters, ideas on Taking Control of Your Life and how Healthy Acts of Kindness Benefit You.

Today we’re going to share an article on creating balance in your life written by our former staff member Pamela S. Thibodeaux but before we do, we’d like to remind the ​Medicare Recipients out there that Medicare OEP (which allows you a one-time change in your MA plan) ends on March 31st so if you’re not happy with the Medicare Advantage plan you chose for 2023, contact our Medicare Agent, Connie Driskell today at: 331-310-2253. 
​​
Continue reading for Simple Ways to Create Balance in Your Life...

Because Medicaid eligibility is based on income in ratio to the number of family members, people roll on and off the plan accordingly—usually on an annual basis. However, due to the pandemic in 2020, our Government passed the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act which increased the federal share of states’ Medicaid costs. This helped to stabilize state budgets and offset the healthcare costs states incurred in response to the pandemic. This also allowed thousands of families to have health coverage that may not have had it otherwise.

​On December 29, 2022, Congress signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CCA) that ends the continuous enrollment provision set in 2020 effective March 31, 2023.