CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – If you are adding or making changes to your health insurance coverage during open enrollment, you’ll want to watch out for unsolicited calls or texts claiming to help you find the best deal.
People are reporting scams to the Better Business Bureau, including receiving scam calls and texts pretending to be from Medicare or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
In some cases, callers will tell you they can enroll you in a better plan than what you currently have and ask you to provide personal information, such as your Medicare ID number and your Social Security number.
If this happens to you, do not respond.
The Better Business Bureau says you should:
Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue. You would have to contact them first, and they will not charge you to help you find the plan that works for you.
Be wary of free gifts and “health screenings.”
Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know.
Instead, go directly to official websites like:
Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov, or your employer’s health insurance provider
If you are unsure whether a call you’ve received is legitimate, or you’ve given away personal information to someone who may be a fraudster, you can report this online or over the phone.
If you suspect fraud regarding Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE
If you suspect fraud when signing up for ACA coverage, call the Health Insurance Marketplace call center at 800-318-2396
Beware of health insurance scams during open enrollment
