Protect Yourself from Marketplace Fraud & Scams: Essential Guidelines for Safe Health Coverage

Navigating the health coverage system through the Marketplace can be daunting, but staying vigilant against fraud and scams is essential. With the correct information and a few precautionary steps, you can protect yourself and your family from falling victim to these schemes. Here’s how to safeguard your personal information and ensure a secure experience when applying for health coverage through the Marketplace.

Say No to Scams

The first and most crucial step is to recognize and reject scams. Here are some key points to remember:

• Never share personal information or give money to anyone claiming you need to pay to keep Medicaid or CHIP coverage or to apply for Marketplace coverage.
• The Marketplace, assister organizations, and your state will never ask for your credit card information or payment to keep or qualify for health coverage.
• Report any suspicious contact to the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department.

If someone contacts you asking for personal information, such as your Social Security Number or money or threatens legal action, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate representatives from the Marketplace will never engage in such practices.

Understand Your Health Care Choices

Being well-informed about your healthcare choices can help you make better decisions and avoid fraud:

• Visit HealthCare.gov, the only official Marketplace website. Always look for official government seals, logos, or web addresses ending in “.gov.”
• Compare insurance plans carefully: Make sure to review all options thoroughly before making a decision.
• Know the Marketplace Open Enrollment dates: Enrollment is only available during Open Enrollment unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to specific life events or income thresholds.

If you have questions, contact the Marketplace Call Center directly. Avoid relying on unsolicited advice or assistance from unknown sources.

Protect Your Private Information

Maintaining the privacy of your health care and financial information is vital:

• Do not share your financial information, such as bank account numbers, credit card details, or Social Security Numbers, with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Avoid sharing personal health information unless you apply for specific exemptions requiring medical documentation.

Even if someone claims to be from the Marketplace, only provide personal information over the phone, email, or text if you have verified their identity and legitimacy.

Marketplace May Contact You

There are instances when the Marketplace might contact you:

• To confirm or request more information: If additional information is needed to process your application, you might receive a call from numbers like 1-855-997-1890 or 844-477-7500.
• To assist with coverage issues, they may contact you to help secure Marketplace coverage if you lose other coverage, such as Medicaid or CHIP.

Always verify the caller’s identity by asking for their name and agent ID number. If in doubt, hang up and contact the Marketplace Call Center directly.

Protect Your Marketplace Account

Enhancing the security of your Marketplace account is another crucial step:

• Use security codes: When you log in, opt for a unique security code sent via text message, email, or phone call. This adds an extra layer of protection.
• Do not share your password or security code: Keep this information private even if someone claims to be from the Marketplace.

Reporting Fraud or Suspected Scams

If you suspect fraud or have been contacted by someone asking for your personal information or payment, take action immediately:

• Please report it to the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department.
• Contact the Marketplace Call Center: Explain what happened so they can take the appropriate steps to secure your information.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself from Marketplace fraud and scams involves being informed, cautious, and proactive. Following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the health coverage system, ensuring your personal and financial information remains secure. Stay vigilant, ask questions, and always verify the sources of any communication regarding your health coverage. Remember, your safety and security are paramount.