Description: Description: Description: NewsReleaseHeader_FINAL AG: Hoosiers should beware of health insurance enrollment scams Zoeller: Federal government shutdown escalating scams INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is warning Hoosiers against scammers taking advantage of the federal health insurance enrollment period that began October 1, 2013. Zoeller warns that the additional inability of Hoosiers to get help from the federal government during the shutdown escalates the need for people to be on guard against possible scam artists, who might seek to profit from selling insurance or by gathering personal information to use fraudulently. “During large-scale government roll-outs, scammers come out of the woodwork to take advantage of any confusion surrounding the program -- luring people away from legitimate websites and posing as employees or agents of the agency. Additionally, with many federal agencies closed, help is even harder to find, so it’s necessary for those of us in state offices to fill this vacuum,” Zoeller said. The Attorney General says Hoosiers need to be cautious and never provide personal financial information or a social security number to anyone that shows up on your doorstep or contacts you by phone to enroll you in the federal insurance program. Tips to Avoid Scams and resources for assistance include: • The government will never call or e-mail consumers to solicit enrollment plans. Marketplace options and additional information is available at HealthCare.gov or at the Help Center, available 24/7, at 1-800-318-2596. • Anyone claiming to be enrolling consumers in coverage through the Marketplace before October 1 is not legitimate. Be wary of individuals contacting you with a “limited time special.” Rates will remain the same from October 1 to March 31, 2014. • Navigators, by law, may not charge a fee for service; however, licensed health insurance agents and brokers receive commission from insurance companies for plan enrollment. • Navigators are there to assist you during the enrollment period. • Navigators will ask you question about your income, family size, and other relevant personal information to help you make a decision about the type of coverage you want. • Navigators will ask for the size of the family to determine coverage options and for income information to determine eligibility for tax credits or Medicaid • Navigators WILL NOT call you to enroll you in health insurance. • Navigators WILL NOT notify you about special limited time offers. • You can find your local Navigators at: healthcare.gov/, and sircon/resource/layout.jsp?page=indianaLps&type=indiana. If a salesperson aggressively pressures you into buying insurance by telling you that you will face jail time if you do not have health insurance, beware -- this is not true. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office is the state’s consumer protection agency. More information on avoiding charity scams is available on the Attorney General’s website at IndianaConsumer NAVIGATING THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (PPACA) Starting on October 1, 2013, uninsured consumers or consumers looking to buy their own coverage can enroll for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace for cover beginning as soon as January 1, 2014. The Marketplace allows you to compare and select pla Those plans must be a Qualified Health Plan approved by the federal government to serve Indiana consumers. As these changes draw nearer, consumers should watch for individuals looking to take advan of the new system by scamming consumers. You can learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace though several resources: RESOURCES • HealthCare.gov: This is the federal government’s official website for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Here, consumers can enroll in health insurance plans starting Oct 1st, get information about the Marketplace, company plans, and see available coverage options. Consumers will be able to find Navigators in their area to assist with enrollment. • Help Center: 1-800-318-2596: The Help Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a we to answer questions about the Marketplace, as well as to enroll consumers for coverage starting October 1. TTY: 1-855-889-4325 • Navigators: Navigators are trained and certified by the government to answer Marketpla questions, discuss eligibility and options, and prepare electronic and paper applications to establish eligibility and enroll in the Marketplace. Starting October 1, consumers will be to find Navigators throughout the State of Indiana by using the federal government’s web (HealthCare.gov), and they can search for Navigators or verify their Navigator’s certification at sircon/resource/layout.jsp?page=indianaLps&type=india The Indiana Department of Insurance provides more information about Indiana Navigator on its website: in.gov/idoi/2823.htm. • Certified Application Counselors: These counselors will perform many of the same functions as Navigators, including educating consumers and helping to complete applicati for coverage. Counselors will be available at community health centers, hospitals, or soci services agencies to assist. Starting October 1, consumers will be able to find Certified Application Counselors at HealthCare.gov or by calling a Help Center. • Agents and Brokers: State-licensed health insurance agents and brokers who meet Healt Insurance Marketplace requirements may enroll individuals, small employers, and emplo in coverage through the Marketplace. MEDICARE IS NOT PART OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE Medicare recipients do not need to do anything to be enrolled under the new Marketplace system. The Marketplace will not affect Medicare choices and benefits will not change.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Oct 2013 19:18:00 +0000
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