Would You Recognize These Common Health Insurance Scams?
There are numerous health insurance options and navigating the system can feel a little daunting. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of people’s confusion by pretending to offer cheap, hassle-free help with obtaining health insurance coverage.
CAUTION – CAUTION – CAUTION
Be Cautious When Buying Health Insurance
This was in the news in November of last year (right before Open Enrollment), but we’ve noticed that we are still receiving calls from our members that they have been contacted by people trying to sell them fake health insurance. We just want to caution folks that the risks are still out there.
Companies Are Selling Fake Health Insurance
Health Insurance has become a big issue for many Americans over the past few years. As the costs of health care continue to rise, families without health insurance are looking for ways to afford those costs. That kind of stress makes them vulnerable to companies that take their money without providing needed services.
There Are More Fake Companies Popping Up Daily
In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission requested that a federal judge shut down a Florida-based operation that was accused of collecting more than $100 million by, “preying on Americans in search of health insurance, selling these consumers worthless plans that left tens of thousands of people uninsured.”
According to the FTC’s complaint, the defendants behind Simple Health lured consumers through a network of deceptive lead generation websites that claimed to provide information about comprehensive health insurance. On the sites, the defendants falsely held themselves out as experts on and providers of government-sponsored health insurance policies, such as those offered under Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. In many cases, the sites also misleadingly featured the logos of the AARP or well-known insurance carriers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, when in fact the defendants were not affiliated with such entities.
Read the full article:
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2018/11/ftc-halts-purveyors-sham-health-insurance-plans
Would You Recognize These Common Health Insurance Scams?
There are numerous health insurance options to choose from, and navigating the system can feel a little daunting. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of people’s confusion by pretending to offer cheap, hassle-free help with obtaining health insurance coverage. Unfortunately, the health insurance plans these people are selling are inferior (very skimpy coverage) and sometimes completely fake. What they promise you on the phone is NOT what you are receiving, then the scammers take your money, along with all your sensitive personal information and provide nothing in return. According to the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, health insurance scams account for up to 10% of total health care expenditures, equaling more than $300 billion annually. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act makes health care fraud a felony, providing some protection to consumers. Unfortunately, this is still a huge problem, particularly during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
Recent Posts
Health Care Sharing Ministry; Is It Right for Me?
Although once considered a fringe option for those unable to or uninterested in purchasing traditional health insurance, Christian ministry programs have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, adding millions of subscribers.
Short Term Health Insurance for Nevadans
Short-term health insurance is a special policy designed to provide coverage during times of transition when traditional health insurance coverage may be impractical or unavailable.
What is a Health Insurance Subsidy?
A “Subsidy” is a special tax credit that you can take to help lower the cost of your monthly health insurance premiums. If you qualify for a Health Insurance Subsidy, it’s kind of like getting a gift card from the Government to help pay your health insurance premium. This subsidy is sent directly to the insurance company, which pays a portion of your premium, and you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance.
Health Insurance Quotes
2). Online Quote
3). In Person
4260 W. Craig Road #150-A
N. Las Vegas, NV 89032
Identifying Health Insurance Scams
The Scam: Pay for a New Medicare Card or Lose Your Coverage
Scammers target older adults with phone calls claiming that they are approaching their Medicare card’s expiration date and that they will lose their health insurance coverage unless they pay a renewal fee.
The Truth
Currently, federal regulations do not require Medicare beneficiaries to obtain new Medicare cards. If you lose your card or it becomes too faded to use, you can easily replace it by contacting 1-800-MEDICARE. Neglecting to do so does not result in loss of coverage.
–
The Scam: Fake Medical Discount Plans
Some scammers advertise paid health care discount programs that promise to cut down on your out-of-pocket health care costs. Some plans even claim to meet the Affordable Care Act’s basic coverage requirements. DO NOT enroll into any plan unless you are speaking with a licensed agent that you can verify by visiting the Department of Insurance, and ensure the plan you are researching is an ACA Qualified Health Plan.
Here’s where you can verify the license in Nevada:
http://di.nv.gov/ins/f?p=licensing:search
The Truth
Medical discount plans are not always a reliable option for controlling health care costs. If you are considering a specific plan, contact the Nevada Division of Insurance (or your state’s insurance commissioner’s office) to find out if the plan you are considering is legit. You should also confirm that the plan can be used at your health care providers office. We do not recommend these plans. They do not have coverage like an ACA (Obamacare) plan does.
–
The Scam: Provide Sensitive Personal Information to Get a Price Quote
A scam website may require you to put in sensitive personal information to get a price quote for health insurance. This may include your Social Security Number, credit card number or bank account number.
The Truth
Providing general personal information is required for getting an accurate price quote for health insurance. This typically includes your zip code, age, household income and whether you smoke. A website that requires detailed or sensitive information could be fraudulent.
–
Be Safe!
Buy Health Insurance from a Locally Licensed Health Insurance Agent at Nevada Insurance Enrollment!
One of the simplest ways to ensure that you do not fall for one of these health insurance scams is to enroll in a policy with the help of a licensed and experienced health insurance agent. At Nevada Insurance Enrollment, we help you find affordable health insurance that provides the coverage you need. We focus our efforts on selling Nevadan’s Qualified Health Plans that are ACA (Obamacare) compliant. We refer to these plans as “real health insurance”.
Top 5 Most Popular
By page visits (this month)
#1) Health Insurance Subsidy Chart
#2) Health Insurance
#3) Health Insurance WITH a Subsidy
#4) Insurance Blog Posts
#5) Request a Quote
Recent Posts
What is a Prescription Drug Formulary?
A drug formulary is a list of the prescription drugs that your health insurance company has agreed to cover so that when you fill your prescription, you don’t pay the full price of the medication. In most cases, formularies are comprised of drugs that are the safest, most effective, and most affordable.
Health Insurance Deductible
A deductible is an amount you pay before the Insurance Company starts paying. Health insurance plans will have different deductibles. You’ll be expected to pay the whole medical bill out of your own pocket until you’ve paid your deductible.
Out of Pocket Maximum
Your out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll have to pay for covered services in a policy period (one year), each January 1st it starts over again, and that includes cost of medications too. After you reach this amount, your health insurance plan will pay 100%.
Qualifying Life Event
If you experience a major life change, then such a change is often considered a qualifying life event. Such life events affect your existing health insurance coverage and can make you eligible to change your coverage during the special enrollment period.