Affordable Care Act - Bloomington: Being alert to scams

As the cost of health care rises, health insurance scams are becoming more common.  Watch out for unlicensed insurers that offer cheap coverage but then refuse to pay claims.  Also be wary of so-called "discount health plans" that are not really insurance at all, but advertise in ways that make it sound as if they are.  When in doubt, contact http://www.in.gov/idoi

These links, while containing detailed information pertaining to Wisconsin, provide good, general information with regard to scams and other nefarious practices by those seeking to take advantage of a trusting public.

• Don't Be a Victim of Unlicensed Insurers:  This information from the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) can help you avoid the pitfall of purchasing a plan that is not licensed in the state of Wisconsin.  OCI also offers a searchable directory of  insurers licensed in the state of Wisconsin.
• Beware of Discount Health Plans: Information from OCI.
• OCI warns about a rise in fake insurance policies and what you can do to protect yourself. The OCI urges consumers to STOP before signing anything or writing a check, CALL the OCI at 1-800-236-8517, and CONFIRM that the company is licensed to do business in Wisconsin.
• More tips to protect yourself against illegal health plans (PDF, 27 KB) and deceptive sales practices (PDF, 26 KB) are available from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
• The FBI offers ways to protect yourself against fraud, including health care fraud: Common Fraud Schemes. Scroll down to find tips for avoiding fraud in health care and health insurance.
• Fighting Health Care Fraud Toolbox from AHIP, the national trade association representing the health insurance industry, lists some ways consumers can protect themselves and their loved ones from health care fraud.
• Tips on buying individual health coverage are provided by Insure.com.

From:  Wisconsin Department of Health Services