The Michigan City Police and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller would like to warn Citizens against scammers taking advantage of the federal health insurance enrollment period that began October 1, 2013.
Scammers are coming out of the woodwork to take advantage of any confusion surrounding the Federal Health Insurance enrollment.
The additional inability of citizens 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.
We want to warn residents that Scammers may attempt to lure people away from legitimate websites and pose as employees or agents of the agency. Additionally, with many federal agencies closed, help is even harder to find.
Citizens 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 www.HealthCare.gov or at the Help Center, available 24/7, at 1-800-318-2596.
- 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 their 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: http://www.healthcare.gov/, and http://www.sircon.com/resource/layout.jsp?page=indianaLps&type=indiana.
BE VERY CAREFUL OF A salesperson aggressively trying to pressure you into buying insurance by telling you that you will face jail time if you do not have health insurance----- this is not true.
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 coverage beginning as soon as January 1, 2014. The Marketplace allows you to compare and select plans.
Those plans must be a Qualified Health Plan approved by the federal government to serve Indiana consumers. You can learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace though several resources:
RESOURCES
- www.HealthCare.gov This is the federal government’s official website for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Here, consumers can enroll in health insurance plans starting October 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 week 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 Marketplace 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 able to find Navigators throughout the State of Indiana by using the federal government’s website:(www.HealthCare.gov) You can search for Navigators or verify their Navigator’s Certification at: http://www.sircon.com/resource/layout.jsp?page=indianaLps&type=indiana. The Indiana Department of Insurance provides more information about Indiana Navigators on its website: http://www.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 applications for coverage. Counselors will be available at community health centers, hospitals, or social services agencies to assist. Starting October 1, consumers will be able to find Certified Application Counselors at www.HealthCare.gov or by calling a Help Center.
- Agents and Brokers: State-licensed health insurance agents and brokers who meet Health Insurance Marketplace requirements may enroll individuals, small employers, and employees 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.
