BBB Offers Tips to Avoid “Obamacare” Scams and Identity Theft

Better Business Bureau says Skepticism Not a Bad Thing

A potential 50 million people are expected to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Better Business Bureau warns ongoing difficulties signing-up provide a fertile ground for identity thieves and monetary fraud.

Connecticut BBB is alerting consumers to a number of scams they should be aware of and avoid:

Fees For Service – Scammers pose as Affordable Care Act Advisors who offer help enroll in a state health care exchange. There are trained and certified ACA Advisors, however, they are not allowed to accept money for their services. 

Medicare Coverage – Senior Citizens are being told they will need new Medicare cards because of the ACA. They falsely told they will lose their coverage unless they provide their Social Security numbers and financial information in order to receive a new card.

 Medical Discount Plans – Scammers call offering medical discount plans that provide required coverage and prevent legal penalties for lack of coverage. Medical discount plans are not insurance.  They are programs offered by specific clinics, doctors, and pharmacies, and provide an open door for identity theft. 

Government Impostors – Individuals call pretending to be “government officials,” and offer assistance enrolling or providing answers to questions about your insurance plan, provided you hand out personal information. No government official will call, email, or text you about your insurance options.

Consumers can protect themselves from these and other identity theft and monetary scams by refusing to give out personal information over the phone, or divulge credit card or account numbers until you have checked out the business.

More information and registration information can be found on the Connecticut state website, www.accesshealthct.com, or by telephone at (860) 757-5300.

-Submitted by Howard Schwartz, Executive Communications Director, Connecticut Better Business Bureau

Do you like Connecticut Better Business Bureau posts?   If you don't want to miss any of our helpful posts, you can subscribe to our blog by clicking this link and then click "Get email updates," and our posts will arrive in your email.