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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 scams. 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 do it.

  • Scammers try to sell you medical discount plans that are not major medical. 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 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 or insists you’ll miss out on a special deal, 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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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Billy Williams
May 31, 2023

I believe that's why my UnitedHealthcare was cancelled! I still can't get it sorted out why it happened but now it makes sense because i was offered low cost medical but it was 0 pay. Only income <$1300 per month and no other assistance, it's nearly impossible to live most of the time!

Ruth Manns
May 31, 2023

This information is appreciated!!

Elizabeth Simonson
May 31, 2023

Very helpful and interesting concerning today's massive insurance mailings for me ... Explains and simplifies it all for me finally! THX

Pokey
June 01, 2023

During open enrollment I get tons of calls from Ins Cos trying to get me to change to ther plans. They even already had ALL MY INFORMATION. Century 21 of course could not locate that agent when I wanted to complain. They were warned 5 yrs ago NOT TO CALL ME ANYMORE. They just wont stop calling me. Is there anything I can do to get them to stop calling me and LOSE my ssn?

FYI
June 05, 2023

What if your enrolled in your states Medicaid agency and before the pandemic happend had gotten and approved for a waiver for Medicaid services for life till I'm retirement age. Does this mean I still have to renew?

Ronnie
June 07, 2023

Thank you for these clearly worded explanations of what to look for. We all need to be ON ALERT!

josiah cobb
June 08, 2023

Very Interesting because we have been trying to cancel our childrens AR Kids since April and have yet to get it cancelled

Constance P. T…
September 26, 2023

I have been receiving phone calls that I recognize by the area code as scams. They tell me they are going to help me with Medicaid. I do not have Medicaid. The one today asked, "You do have diabetes, right?" I told her to mind her own business and to lose my number. How do these people get away with this?