A Free Public Service
SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California.
June 15, 2023
Attribution: Ftc.gov
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a public insurance program, created in 1965, that provides health coverage to low-income families and individuals, including children, parents, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is funded jointly by the federal government and the individual states. As a result, Medicaid eligibility and benefits can and often do vary widely from state to state.
During the pandemic, states had to keep people enrolled in Medicaid so they didn’t lose their insurance. Now that the health emergency declaration is over, that requirement has been phased out — which means people eligible for Medicaid have to re-enroll in their state’s program or find new insurance, if they’re not eligible.
So, where do the scams come in?
When big changes affect millions of people, scams will follow. That means people who’ve been on Medicaid — including people of modest means, children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with disabilities — will be targeted by health insurance scammers.
Here’s what to know:
Medicaid won’t charge you to renew or enroll. You may get a call, text, or email from your state Medicaid agency to renew your enrollment in your state’s program. But the real Medicaid program won’t ask for money or personal information like your credit card or bank account number. Learn more about eligibility for Medicaid in your state at Medicaid.gov (scroll down to find the link to your state’s Medicaid agency).
Visit HealthCare.gov to compare insurance plans, coverage, and prices. HealthCare.gov lets you compare prices on health insurance plans, check your eligibility for healthcare subsidies, and begin enrollment. HealthCare.gov will ask only for your monthly income and your age to give you a price quote.
If anyone asks for your bank account or credit card number to give you a quote for health insurance, that’s a scam. Don’t give it.
Scammers try to sell you medical discount plans that are not major medical. Phony Medical discount plans charge a monthly fee for supposed discounts on some medical services or products from a list of providers. They’re not a substitute for health insurance, though some legit plans do give actual discounts. But others just take your money for very little in return. If you’re considering one, find out if your doctor participates in the plan. Check what coverage it gives for major events. And be sure to get the plan’s details in writing before you sign up. If anyone pressures you to sign up quickly say, “no, thanks.”
If you think you’ve spotted a scam, tell your friends and family about it so they can protect themselves. Then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general.
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