Louisiana health insurance shoppers now have the option of buying new, cheaper, but potentially far less comprehensive plans in the marketplace. Matt Doyle has more.
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Gas prices are on the rise, the highest autumn prices since 2014. If you expected a break between now and the holidays, Kevin Barnhart has some tough news for you.
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New, cheaper health insurance plans are available on the Louisiana marketplace, but there’s a catch: they don’t have to provide the same level of coverage as was mandated under Obamacare. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the plan may not cover things like pre-existing conditions and prescriptions.
The short term plans can be utilized for up to three years.
Individual market plans saw a half decade of nearly double digit rate increases before leveling out this year. While prices are expected to go down about six percent nationwide this year, Donelon says many families making over 90,000 dollars a year that didn’t qualify for Obamacare subsides still can’t afford the coverage.
Donelon says the problem is exacerbated by declining numbers of employers who offer health care plans.
Since 2010 many Louisianans have likely grown used to the guarantee that their health insurance covers pre-existing conditions, emergency services, hospital stay, and likely comes with a reasonable deductible. Donelon says these plans may not offer those services, so be careful when shopping.
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The Commissioner says Louisianans may need to employ an insurance expert before shopping for the new plans.
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A buyer has purchased the Avondale Shipyard in Jefferson Parish, with plans to turn the site into a global logistics hub that could employ 2,000 people. The 254 acre site was purchased by T. Parker Host and Hilco Redevelopment in a joint venture labeled Avondale Marine LLC. Governor Edwards says it’s a substantial project.
The shipyard shut down back in 2014 after a long and distinguished history where it employed over ten thousand workers who build many of the naval vessels that patrolled the seas during the cold war. While the administration admits it won’t be a return to its former glory, they say it’s a solid start.
T. Parker Host CEO Adam Anderson says they’ll be utilizing the skills of many of the former Avondale workers for their new project.
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A proposal to build an airstrip on Elmer’s Island in Jefferson Parish has been grounded after receiving complaints from conservation groups and environmentalists who questioned whether it’s a good idea to have an airport in a protected wildlife refuge. Cynthia Duet, Deputy Director of Audubon Louisiana, says the big fear is bird strikes, with planes flying in and out of the airport…
Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet signed an agreement in August to begin planning the construction of the air strip. Duet says they argued you can’t have an airport near an important bird-nesting site…
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L-D-W-F supported the airstrip, because it could increase recreational access to Elmer’s Island and make it easier for their biologists to get their research lab and oyster hatchery. The mayor of Grand Isle also believed the project would result in more tourism. But Duet is glad all sides thought better of the idea…
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Usually gasoline prices fall at this time of year, but the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is actually on the rise to $2.65 per gallon. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the price at the pump is at its highest level since 2014.
Redman says the price hike may catch some by surprise, but says several factors contribute to the latest numbers, including tremendous demand seen over the summer having an impact on the inventories of crude oil.
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Redman says the price of crude oil could go even higher, so a break between now and the holidays is not likely.