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 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. 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 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 Hurricane Season is underway and many folks are still not recovered from the natural disasters of 2020-2021. The GOOD News is that our Federal Government has implemented a grant program called "Restore Louisiana" (similar to Road Home after Hurricane Rita) and you still have time to apply! Restore Louisiana provides grant funding for home repair or reconstruction, mobile home repair or replacement, or reimbursement for repairs already completed. Well, it's that time of year again.... Time to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023! Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ended on December 7th but OEP (Open enrollment period -which allows you a one-time change in your MA plan) opens January 1st through March 31st. If you're turning 65 in Jan, February or March 2023 or getting Medicare due to disability and/or Medicare & Medicaid, and you haven't already set up your Medicare Insurance plan(s) contact our Licensed Medicare Agent today. We will be closed on December 26th and January 2nd in observance of Christmas and New Year's but look forward to meeting your Auto, Recreational Vehicle and Medicare needs in 2023. Until next time.... Take care and enjoy a Happy & Blessed Holiday Season! Tommy Curtis and Staff Disclaimers: ALL material on this blog is available for informational purposes only. Life 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. Back in Feb. 2021 we announced that we were no longer selling Home, Mobile Home or Dwelling (Landlords) policies due to changes in staff at our office. We did, however, promise to continue to service the policies we maintained. Recently it has come to our attention that two of our Home Insurance Companies, Lighthouse Excalibur AND Southern Fidelity have been forced into liquidation by the Insurance Commissioner of Louisiana and Florida. Lighthouse policies expired at 12:01 am today (June 21st, 2022) and Southern Fidelity policies will expire at 12:01 am July 15th, 2022. In an effort to keep our promise of service to you, we suggest you contact the agent of your choice IMMEDIATELY, so they have time to shop for the best policy to fit your individual needs. If you haven't already replaced your Lighthouse policy, get your coverage in place before a storm develops and they are under binding restrictions! OR Contact one of the following Independent Insurance Agents and mention us! Horace Mann Insurance Co (Ask for Stephanie) Address: 226 W Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: (337) 439-1346 Kelly Lee Insurance Address: 3205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601 Phone: (337) 656-2890 Advanced Protection Insurance Agency Address: 1435 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy, Lake Charles, LA 70611 Phone: (337) 905-8585 If we are your agent for Lighthouse OR Southern Fidelity and your new agent needs anything from us (ex: a prior dec page or claim information) have them reach out to us. *Please remember Home or Dwelling insurance does NOT cover flood! That is a separate policy.* Wishing you the best in finding new coverage. Tommy Curtis and Staff The federal government (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also known as CMS) gives an annual rating to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans (Part D), based on categories such as: Customer service * Management of Member Complaints * Quality of care *Preventative Services * Plan Responsiveness * Managing Chronic Conditions Plans are rated as follows…. 5-star: Excellent 4-star: Above Average 3-star: Average 2-star: Below Average 1-star: Poor In 2022 Medicare Advantage (MA) plans saw a huge boost in performance with 68% of MA-PD (Medicare Part C) plans rated 4+ Stars which is a great thing! Another thing to know is that if a plan in your area has five stars, you get a Special Election Period (SEP) to enroll in that plan. Even though the star rating is important, it’s not the end all of your coverage. In order for the plan to be the best fit for you your doctors and hospital must be in the network (unless you’re willing to change your medical team), it includes prescription drug coverage and that your particular drugs are covered under the plan. Don’t be fooled into thinking every prescription is. Keeping these things in mind, it’s always better to work with a local agent to make sure every aspect of the plan you’re looking for meets your individual needs. Want to know more about the 5-Star plans available in Calcasieu Parish? Give our licensed and knowledgeable agent a call: 337-310-2253 Tommy Curtis and Staff Disclaimers: Life 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. |
Tommy Curtis
Is an insurance agent with integrity and your best interest in mind. Call to speak directly to him. Contact us Phone: 337-433-1683 Address: 509 7th Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 Office Hours: M-F 9a - 5p (CST) Follow Us
|