Stay Sharp During Health Insurance Enrollment
Don’t Fall for Fake Plans, False Promises, or Fraud
As health insurance enrollment season approaches, scammers are on the prowl—posing as insurers, brokers, or even government officials. Their goal? To trick consumers into buying fake plans, stealing money and personal information and leaving people without real coverage when they need it most.
In a February 9, 2024 press release, the Federal Trade Commission announced a $195 million judgment against Simple Health Plans LLC and its CEO, Steven J. Dorfman, for deceiving consumers into buying sham health plans that offered no real protection.
What to Watch For During Enrollment Season
Scammers ramp up their efforts during open enrollment and renewal periods. They use unsolicited emails, phone calls, online ads, and fake websites to lure consumers into costly traps.
Common Scam Tactics
Imposters, Pressure Tactics & Phony Discounts
- Fake urgency — Claims that you must enroll immediately or lose coverage.
- No credentials — Refusal to provide a valid license number or verifiable contact info.
- Sketchy payment methods — Requests for payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- High-pressure sales — “Limited-time offers” or “exclusive subsidies” that require fast action.
- Vague plan details — No clear explanation of deductibles or benefits before payment.
How to Protect Yourself
Smart Steps to Stay Safe
- Use trusted sources — Only enroll through DC Health Link, healthcare.gov or a licensed insurer or broker.
- Be wary of plans claiming to be comparable to ACA plans.
- Verify agents — Check credentials with DISB before sharing personal info.
- Review everything — Read all documents carefully and confirm coverage, deductibles and provider networks.
- Keep records — Save receipts, policy documents and all communications.
- Guard your info — Never share Social Security numbers, bank details or health info with unsolicited contacts.
Report Suspected Scams
If you think you’ve been targeted or scammed, report it right away:
DISB Enforcement and Consumer Protection Division
202-727-8000
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center ic3.gov |
202-278-2000
Federal Trade Commission [email protected]
DISB Mission
Our mission is three-fold: (1) cultivate a regulatory environment that protects consumers and attracts and retains financial services firms to the District; (2) empower and educate residents on financial matters; and (3) provide financing for District small businesses.