Kentucky warns of health insurance enrollment scams

FRANKFORT – State officials are warning Kentuckians to be on the lookout for scams that affect the annual health insurance enrollment period, which is currently underway.

Many people will apply for health insurance coverage through the state's Marketplace, Medicare, or their employer during open enrollment this fall. Scammers are already working to impersonate government agencies, health insurance companies, and enrollment assistance organizations to steal your personal information or money.

Help keep yourself safe by using the "Pause, Check, Protect" method to identify health coverage scams.

PAUSE – Before you take any action or send money, stop and think it through.

Ask yourself if you were expecting a call, text, or email about health coverage.

Does the offer seem too good to be true?

Take as much time as you need to think it over. Scammers may pressure you to make a decision immediately, often claiming an offer is only available for a limited time.

CHECK – Identify and use trustworthy sources. Get health coverage information from and sign up for health coverage through official websites like HealthCare.gov, Medicare.gov, or directly through your employer.

When looking for information online, pay close attention to the web address. Official government websites typically end in .gov.

Be cautious of websites, emails, and advertisements that use government names, logos, or other official-looking information to appear legitimate. Scammers can copy these details.

Type the official website address into the browser yourself instead of clicking a link in an unexpected email or text message.

PROTECT – Don't share your personal information with unverified people.

This includes Social Security Numbers, banking information, account numbers, Medicare numbers, and even personal health information such as your medical history.

Don't give money such as gift cards and cryptocurrency to anyone claiming you must pay them to keep or apply for coverage.

The Marketplace and your state will never threaten you or ask for payment to qualify for health coverage.

Visit StopScams.ky.gov to learn more, including how to report suspicious activity.

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