New York officials warn of health insurance scams

According to a media release, NY State of Health, New York's health plan marketplace, "offers one-stop health insurance shopping for both public health programs (Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan) and commercial health insurance (Qualified Health Plans)." Earlier this year, after the pandemic's continuous coverage rules expired, New York resumed the practice of reviewing and renewing eligibility for those enrolled in public health programs.

Health insurance scams regarding the renewals are increasing, the release said.

James and McDonald are warning New Yorkers to be wary of scammers who call, text, or email pretending to be from NY State of Health or other state agencies.

There are several ways scammers prey on New Yorkers who are trying to obtain or keep health insurance, the release said:

—Scammers use fear by threatening New Yorkers that their Medicaid or other health coverage is at risk for cancellation or that they have already lost their Medicaid or other 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.

The New York agencies that administer Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan benefits will never charge or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll. They will also not offer New Yorkers rewards to renew their coverage, the release said.

To learn how to renew Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or Essential Plan health insurance, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the NY State of Health webpage or the NY Medicaid website. To learn about enrolling or renewing commercial Qualified Health Plan coverage for 2024, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit the NY State of Health website.

James and McDonald provided the following tips:

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

—If enrolled in health insurance through the NY State of Health, many people are available to help residents renew for free. They include the state's health-certified enrollment assistors and customer service representatives. For information or guidance, visit the NY State of Health website or call 1-855-355-5777.

—If enrolled in Medicaid through either a county Medicaid office or through New York City's Human Resources Administration, there are people available to help for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing insurance.

—Government agencies will never threaten, demand payment, or ask for credit information in a text message, email, or phone call.

—Many websites will try to make residents think that they are the official New York State health insurance marketplace. There is only one official NY State of Health website.

—Submitting contact information to some websites may lead to calls, texts, or emails from scammers.

—Report suspected fraud.

Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential plan is open year-round. However, New York requires enrollees to renew their eligibility for the plans every 12 months, although the annual renewal was suspended during the COVID-19 emergency. Enrollees are being sent renewal notices well in advance of their coverage end dates with detailed instructions on how to stay covered and their deadline to renew.

To enroll in a Qualified Health Plan for 2024, New Yorkers must do so during the open enrollment period that started on Nov. 16. Enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15 for coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2024. New Yorkers who experience qualifying life events (for example, a marriage, divorce, or birth of a child) can enroll in a Qualified Health Plan outside of the open enrollment period. It is important to note that most people are eligible for tax credits which lower the monthly costs of a Qualified Health Plan, the release said.

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 by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.

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