State officials warn public about possible health insurance scam

BOISE — The Idaho Department of Insurance has been made aware of a possible scam by a company using deceptive practices to market health insurance in Idaho. Your Health Idaho, the state’s health insurance exchange, has received complaints from consumers about an organization called National Enrollment Center. Multiple atttempts to contact the company went unanswered or were disconnected.

“We don’t really know what type of health insurance they are selling,” said Consumer Services Bureau Chief Elaine Mellon. “When pressed for details about what tcompany they sell for, what type of insurance they are selling, or licensing information, they hang up.”

The Department of Insurance has a list of tips and information for consumers who are contacted by anyone attempting to sell insurance:

n Open enrollment for health insurance is Nov. 1, 2016 through Jan. 31, 2017 — no special “state enrollment period” for individual health insurance exists. Anyone offering insurance plans through an “enrollment period” outside of open enrollment is not selling an ACA-compliant policy.

n No one offering ACA-compliant healthcare coverage will ask if you have a pre-existing condition.

n The federal government will not call you to sell you health insurance. Be wary of telemarketers form the “National Enrollment Center,” “National Healthcare Center” or other official-sounding names.

n Never provide bank account or health information or agree to any request to send money over the phone. If you are being pressured to provide this information, hang up.

n Purchase insurance only from a licensed agent. Ask agents for their license numbers and verify licensure by calling the Idaho Department of Insurance or visiting www.doi.idaho.gov. If a person refuses to provide licensing information, hang up.

n If you receive a sales call from someone selling health insurance, ask the caller to send you information in writing about the policy, including premiums. If they refuse, hang up.

People with questions about this or other isurance-related topics should contact the Idaho Department of Insurance at its toll-free number, 800-721-3272, or visit ww. doi.idaho.gov.