Officials warn of health insurance scams

New York Attorney General Letitia James and state Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald have issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about common health insurance scams as 2026 open enrollment continues through the New York State of Health Marketplace.

“Health insurance scams spike during open enrollment periods, and the Office of the Attorney General and DOH are providing consumers with tips to protect themselves against potential scams,” a news release stated.

“As health care costs skyrocket and federal support hangs in the balance, access to affordable health insurance is more important than ever,” James said. “We cannot allow predatory scammers to swindle New Yorkers out of their hard-earned money. I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and contact my office if they believe they are the target of a scam or fraud. My office will always work to hold bad actors and fraudsters accountable.”

“As New Yorkers enroll or renew their health coverage, it is critical they remain vigilant against scams that can put their personal information and access to care at risk,” McDonald said. “The Department of Health is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that every New Yorker can access quality, affordable health insurance safely. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about their coverage to reach out to NY State of Health or local certified enrollment assistors for free, trusted assistance.”

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 those health plans every year.

To enroll in qualified commercial health insurance plans through NY State of Health for 2026, New Yorkers must do so during the open enrollment period that started on Nov. 1. Enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15 for coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2026. Many people are eligible for tax credits, which lower the monthly costs of a qualified health plan, according to the release.

James and McDonald warned of scammers pretending to be NY State of Health and selling fake health insurance to steal consumers’ money and personal information. Scammers may use fake websites or phone numbers, including ones that are very similar to the NY State of Health website and phone number, or lie about their affiliation with health plans, the release stated.

New Yorkers should look out for the following tactics scammers use to target those who are trying to obtain or keep health insurance, the release stated:

• Scammers often use fear by threatening New Yorkers that their health insurance is at risk of cancellation, or that they have already lost their health coverage unless they provide hundreds of dollars to reinstate or continue benefits.

• Scammers will also use false offers of generosity to lure New Yorkers into providing personal information. This is typically done through phishing scams offering people gift cards or money to “update” their health accounts so as not to lose coverage.

• Scammers may ask for money to enroll people in marketplace or “Obamacare” insurance. The New York agencies that administer Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan benefits will never use the term “Obamacare” or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll. They will also not offer New Yorkers rewards to renew their coverage.

Attorney General James and Commissioner McDonald provided the following tips and reminders for New Yorkers to avoid common scams:

• No one can ever charge you a fee to renew your health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, or a Qualified Health Plan.

• Those who enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health can get renewal help for free at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 855-355-5777.

• Those who enrolled in Medicaid through a county Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration can get help for free by contacting the office where they enrolled.

• Government agencies will never threaten, demand payment or ask for credit information in a text message, e-mail or phone call.

• Many websites will try to make people think that it is the official New York state health insurance marketplace. Submitting contact information to some websites may lead to calls, texts or emails from scammers.

• If a health plan includes a monthly premium, users will pay the health plan directly. The NY State of Health website does not ask for bank account information or require payments.

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to OAG by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.

© 2025 the Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, N.Y.). Visit www.niagara-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.