Looking for Marketplace health insurance this open enrollment season? Avoid scammers.

Looking to get or switch your Marketplace health insurance during open enrollment (November 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025)? Don’t click on ads that say they offer free things like phones or cash cards for gas, groceries, or bills to those who enroll in a health insurance plan. They’re probably scams. The same goes for ads showing a famous person supposedly endorsing an insurance plan or services: That “person” might be a computer-made fake.

Instead, use the official Health Insurance Marketplace to find plans you qualify for, get help signing up, or enroll in the plan you choose directly.

To stay clear of scammy ads and get real help during open enrollment:

• Go to HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center (1-800-318-2596) to compare and sign up for Marketplace plans.
• Find Local Help through Marketplace’s online directory. You can set up a time to talk in person, over the phone, or by email with Navigators who give free, unbiased help. You can also find and speak with licensed and registered agents and brokers.

And when you’re looking for health insurance, protect your money and information:

• Don’t pay anyone who claims they’re from the Marketplace or government and demands cash, cryptocurrency, or your credit or debit card numbers so you can get or keep health coverage.
• Don’t reply if someone you don’t know contacts you about health insurance and asks for your Social Security number or other personal, financial, or health information.

Report scammy healthcare ads to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Image

This consumer alert was updated on Nov. 6, 2024 to direct scam reports to the FTC.