Beware of Health Insurance Fraud in the Marketplace – Consumer Alert
Most people assisting consumers with health insurance enrollments are operating in good faith and in the best interest of their clients. Unfortunately, there have been reports of scammers misrepresenting requirements for people to qualify for free health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Homeless individuals with little to no income, have been approached and asked to provide personally identifiable information as part of the application process. Often, a small incentive is offered for signing up (maybe $5 or a cup of coffee). They then enter incorrect information, such as income and contact details, into the system that qualifies them for insurance they wouldn’t otherwise be eligible for.
This can have harmful effects including disqualifying you from accessing other benefits such as county health programs or preventing you from filling needed prescriptions due to cost sharing or deductibles.
Possible Red Flags
- Offers of free health insurance to individuals with very low or no income.
- People approaching homeless individuals at bus stops, convenience stores, or day shelters offering free insurance.
- Incentives being offered in exchange for personal information and a promise of health insurance coverage.
- Individuals offering health insurance coverage who do not clearly state who they represent or suggest that they are with a public health program.
Are you a possible victim?
Did you or someone you know find out you’ve been enrolled in a health insurance plan you weren’t aware of?
Do you need assistance verifying or changing your insurance enrollment status? Call the Family Healthcare Foundation at (813) 995-7005.
Do you want to report a potential case of fraud? Call the Office of Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 or email consumer@pinellas.gov.
For more information about the Affordable Care Act visit: Affordable Care Act (ACA) – Pinellas County