Your health insurance is too important to leave to chance.
The Health Insurance Marketplace has taken steps to prevent unauthorized enrollments and plan changes, but consumers should still be careful about who they give their personal information to and should regularly check their Marketplace account and insurance coverage.
Be cautious if someone tells you that you have been “automatically enrolled” in a new Marketplace plan or that they need your information to “keep your current coverage.”
Never allow someone to submit an application or enrollment without your knowledge and approval.
One of the biggest warning signs is discovering that your insurance company, plan, premium, deductible, doctors, or network has changed—even though you never requested a change.
If something doesn’t look right, investigate it immediately.
Don’t give it to them.
Your Marketplace login information and security codes are private. HealthCare.gov says Marketplace representatives will not ask for your password or security code.
Be careful with statements such as:
A legitimate insurance professional should be willing to explain what is being submitted and give you an opportunity to review it.
Be extremely cautious about advertisements offering cash, gift cards, prizes, or other perks in exchange for your health insurance information.
HealthCare.gov specifically warns consumers about these types of offers.
Always review your:
Incorrect information can potentially affect your eligibility, premium tax credit, and what you may owe when you file your taxes.
For consumers in states using the federal Marketplace, HealthCare.gov is the official Marketplace website.
Be cautious of websites that look like government websites but are actually private marketing or lead-generation sites.
Look for the “.gov” address.
If you work with an insurance agent or broker, ask for:
Don’t be afraid to verify who you’re dealing with before providing personal information.
Before an application or enrollment is submitted, review the information yourself.
Make sure the plan you selected is actually the plan being submitted.
Save copies of:
If something changes later, these records can be extremely helpful.
Don’t assume everything is correct simply because you have insurance.
Log into your Marketplace account periodically and verify that your current plan and application information are correct.
Don’t ignore it.
Contact the Marketplace as soon as possible and explain that you believe your coverage or application was changed without your authorization.
The Marketplace Call Center is:
1-800-318-2596
TTY: 1-855-889-4325
You can also report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission.
There are many legitimate insurance agents and brokers who help consumers navigate the Marketplace.
The goal isn’t to avoid getting help.
The goal is to make sure you know who is helping you, what information is being submitted, what plan you are enrolling in, and that you have actually authorized the transaction.
Your health insurance coverage is YOUR coverage.
Review it. Understand it. Protect it.
If you ever receive a notice about a Marketplace plan, premium, subsidy, or enrollment change that you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it—investigate it.
Information provided for educational purposes. For official Marketplace information, visit HealthCare.gov or contact the Marketplace directly.
