New York issues warning about health insurance scams

New York state has issued a warning about health insurance scams which threaten to steal money or personal information, or both.
Health insurance scams spike during open enrollment periods, New York Attorney General Letitia James and her office said Tuesday. Enrollment is open through Dec. 15 for insurance plans through New York’s Affordable Care Act marketplace for health coverage taking effect Jan. 1, 2025.
James’ office warned of the following tactics to target Empire State residents who are trying to obtain or keep health insurance:
Enrollment in New York’s public health programs – Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan – is open year-round. However, New York state requires enrollees to renew their eligibility for these health plans every year.
To enroll in commercial health insurance for 2025, New Yorkers must do so during the open enrollment period which lasts from November 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. Private employers may offer different open enrollment periods at their workplaces.
James said no one can ever charge a fee to renew health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan. Government agencies will never threaten, demand payment, or ask for credit information in a text message, email, or phone call, she added.
“New Yorkers must be able to secure health insurance free from predatory scammers trying to take advantage of them,” AG James said. “As New Yorkers take advantage of this year’s open enrollment period, I urge everyone to be cautious and contact my office if they think they are the target of a scam or fraud. Affordable and accessible health care is a fundamental right, and my office will do everything in its power to protect New Yorkers seeking to secure insurance for themselves and their families.”
For more information about New York health programs, use the official NY State of Health website (https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov) or call 1-855-355-5777 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM.
Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.