Recognize Indicators of Health Insurance Renewal Fraud

MAYVILLE, NY — Collaborating once again, Chautauqua County’s Health Department and Office for Aging Services aim to alert the community about potential health insurance scams during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment for health insurance programs spans from now until December 15th, while Medicare open enrollment lasts until December 7th. The New York State Department of Health notes a surge in health insurance scams at present.

Lacey Wilson, Deputy Public Health Director of Chautauqua County Health Department, emphasizes the importance of residents being vigilant, stating, “Scammers can be highly persuasive and inventive, so it’s crucial for residents to recognize warning signs and know what to do if a call or contact raises suspicions.” Wilson adds, “Insurance companies should never reach out to you via phone, email, or text to solicit personal information such as your Social Security Number or bank details.”

Dr. MaryAnn Spanos, Director of Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, warns about Medicare scammers posing as representatives from Medicare or familiar businesses, aiming to extract personal information. She notes, “They often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is required to provide money or information.”

Reject Scams

Avoid sharing personal information or making payments to unknown entities. Scammers may falsely assert that payment is necessary to maintain Medicaid or CHIP coverage or apply for Marketplace coverage. It’s important to note that the Marketplace, its affiliated organizations, and New York State agencies will never resort to threats or request credit card information or payment for health coverage.

If someone contacts you requesting:

– Personal information (such as your Social Security Number)

– Money (including credit card payments, gift cards, cash, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency)

– Or if they threaten legal action against you or anyone in your household

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

To learn about renewing Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or Essential Plan health insurance, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the NY State of Health webpage on this topic at info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/COVID-19-Changes or the NY Medicaid website www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid. For information on enrolling or renewing commercial Qualified Health Plan coverage for 2024, visit the NY State of Health website at nystateofhealth.ny.gov. Assistance is also available by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220).

Medicare Open Enrollment assistance can be obtained through the Office for Aging Services and local insurance agents trained by OFAS. To schedule an appointment or obtain a list of local trained agents, as well as answers to aging-related queries, call the NY Connects Helpline at 716-753-4582.