Released: February 26, 2007

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces that the Department of Insurance Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has released its 2007 Medicare Supplement Comparison Guide and 2007-2008 Long-Term Care Insurance Comparison Guide. Both publications are invaluable tools for seniors in Louisiana who need to make important decisions regarding their current and long-term health care needs.

The Medicare Supplement Guide is designed to assist seniors in selecting a Medicare supplement insurance policy by providing buying tips, explanations of terminology and information on the cost and benefits offered by the Medicare supplement providers in Louisiana.

The Long-Term Care Comparison Guide is designed to aid Louisiana consumers in deciding whether or not to purchase a long-term care policy and how to choose the best policy to fit their needs. It is also an easy way to compare the different types of long-term care policies and the costs of the various long-term care providers in Louisiana.

"Each year we survey insurers who provide Medicare supplement and long-term care insurance in order to help seniors in our state make better, more informed insurance choices," said Alan Heumann, Director of SHIIP.

"Making decisions regarding Medicare supplement and long-term care insurance can be a taxing, confusing process. I'm proud that the Department is able to provide seniors with these two informative and comprehensive buyer's guides," adds Commissioner Donelon.

SHIIP is the state senior health insurance assistance program from the Louisiana Department of Insurance. The program provides objective counseling and information on Medicare and senior insurance products at no cost.

The easiest way to access the 2007 Medicare Supplement Comparison Guide and the 2007-2008 Long-term Care Insurance Comparison Guide is to go online and visit www.ldi.state.la.us. Citizens can also get a copy of the SHIIP Guides by contacting their area Council on Aging, or by calling the SHIIP toll-free number, 1-800-259-5301.