Primary Down…General Election Ahead!

As we continue to watch the elections, we would like to report the following run-offs in the House and Senate below as well as the newly elected or unopposed candidates. The House still has 25 seats undecided while the Senate has only five undecided.

We also want to make sure you are aware that our very own Agent Member Mike Huval is in a run-off and could use your support. Please consider making a personal contribution to his campaign. For more details, please contact the PIA office.

Again, we ask that you would let us know if there are any candidates that you feel we should be supporting through our PAC. The General Election date is Saturday, November 16, 2019 and early voting is November 2-9, 2019 (except for Sunday, November 3).

House Run-offs
House Elected/Unopposed

Senate Run-offs
Senate Elected/Unopposed





Medicare Open Enrollment Starts TODAY!

The Louisiana Department of Insurance urges consumers to recognize the beginning of Medicare Open Enrollment by reviewing their coverage or selecting new coverage. If you are over 65 or otherwise eligible for Medicare, now is the time to review your coverage and benefits and make decisions about your plan for the coming year. Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2019 and ends December 7, 2019 for enrollment in 2020 plans.

"The Louisiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program staff and volunteers can help Medicare beneficiaries find out if they are getting the best coverage for their needs and if they are eligible for any extra help with premiums," said Commissioner Donelon. "We have a dedicated staff and volunteer force that can help you in person or over the phone to find the right coverage for you."

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff is available to help Louisiana residents over the phone, at the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) and at events throughout the state. SHIIP also has partner organizations all over Louisiana that can help seniors to navigate Medicare. The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) has created a step-by-step guide and video series to help Medicare beneficiaries better understand their Medicare coverage options and benefits.

The following changes will be made for Medicare Plans in 2020:

  • Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible will no longer be available for purchase by newly-eligible Medicare beneficiaries. People who already have Medigap Plans C and F will be able to keep them and people who are already eligible for Medicare prior to 2020 will still be able to buy those plans. However for newly-eligible enrollees, Plan C and Plan F will be discontinued after the end of 2019.

  • The donut hole is being eliminated in 2020 for generic drugs. The gap in prescription drug coverage, also called the donut hole, starts when someone reaches the initial coverage limit, and ends when they have spent $5,100. Prior to 2011, Medicare Part D enrollees paid the full cost of their medications while in the donut hole. Bu the donut hole has been steadily closing, and it will be fully closed by 2020, when enrollees in standard Part D plans will pay just 25 percent of the cost of their drugs all the way up to the catastrophic coverage threshold (insurers have the option to offer plans with lower cost-sharing, and many do).
Consumers can contact SHIIP by calling the LDI at 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov/SHIIP.





Need 3 hours of Ethics for your upcoming renewal?


NAAIA Southeast Chapter
presents:

Mark your calendars to join the Southeast Louisiana NAAIA for a
3-Hours Approved Ethics Training for Producers
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Landry's Seafood House

620 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Presented By:
Louisiana Department of Insurance

Three hours of Ethics Continuing Education credits and full lunch included.


Members: $40 — Non-Members $50


Our luncheon speaker will be Mr. Ron Henderson, Deputy Commissioner,
Louisiana Department of Insurance — Office of Consumer Advocacy and Diversity.

Registration for the Ethics Training Luncheon now open at
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/naaia-southeast-louisiana-chapter-4896882901

For more information, contact naaiaofselouisiana@gmail.com






October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. A collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity with the goal of helping consumers and business secure data and prevent cyber threats. With recent data breaches and cybersecurity attacks its more relevant now than ever. Their website provides some awesome tips that include, creating a strong password, working securely from your devices, thefts and scams, and protecting your digital home, just to name a few.

Check out the National Initiative For Cybersecurity Careers And Studies (NICCS) website HERE for more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month and to explore these helpful hints. Also if you are looking for a fun way to learn more about data security in your office try out this fun Trivia Game or print this flyer to display in your office.

To get a Cyber Insurance Quote, contact Natalie Cooper at Natalie@piaoflouisiana.com.





PIA National is now on Instagram!

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents is proud to announce that we are now on Instagram. Follow us for updates and behind the scenes looks at what we are doing! @pia_national https://www.instagram.com/pia_national/







PIA Market Access — Today, October 15, 2 PM CT

PIA Market Access is a wholesale market access program that will help PIA members access over 50 nationwide and specialty personal and commercial lines markets from a number of admitted "A" or better-rated companies. PIA members participating in the PIA Market Access Program will retain ownership of their book of business, and if they should choose to leave the program, there are no exit fees. Agents can expect to see competitive commission rates. Register.

Other upcoming PIA webinars:

Power Interviewing: Hire Right the First Time — October 16 at 1 PM CT

AVYST eForms Wizard Update — October 24 at 1 PM CT