How to protect yourself against healthcare scams this open enrollment season
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Consumer experts say healthcare scams are on the rise during open enrollment season and knowing the warning signs is the best way to protect yourself.
Open enrollment for Medicare runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Meanwhile, Healthcare.gov open enrollment begins Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll or change plans before coverage starts on Jan. 1.
During this time, experts with the Better Business Bureau said scammers often try to take advantage of people with the hopes to steal their money or personal information.
8News spoke with Martin Bailey, a fraud watch expert with AARP and Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol. He warns that every offer is not as good as it seems.
"They're going to show you policies that cover dental, they cover your eyes, they cover your hearing, they cover everything. Low payment, low premiums, low deductibles. It's really too good to be true. And like we always say, if it's too good to be true, it probably is," Bailey said.
Tips to avoid an open enrollment scam
- Watch out for unsolicited messages about your healthcare plan
- Don't fall for the pressure to upgrade your plan and act now
- Be suspicious about free gifts like healthcare screenings and healthcare upgrades
- Never offer your personal information
AARP said healthcare companies can only contact you if you have requested information or if you have an existing relationship. Scammers will try to convince you that they are legitimate companies offering coverage deals when in fact they are trying to steal your health plan identification, social security number and banking information.
"You have to realize scammers are out there and they want to take advantage of you," Bailey said.
To protect yourself, Bailey said you should double check if the deal you are hearing is legitimate. You can do this by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to report it. If you suspect fraud when signing up for ACA coverage, go to HealthCare.gov or call the Health Insurance Marketplace call center at 800-318-2596.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam you are asked to report the scam with your local law enforcement agency. For more tips on how to avoid scams visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network or the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol websites.
