Insurance scammers often reach out to individuals offering to help navigate the health insurance marketplace, but it is a scam. What they are really trying to get is personal and/or financial information or sell fraudulent health insurance plans.
Health insurance customers can identify and avoid scams by following certain precautions and paying attention to certain indicators.
To safeguard yourself, remember the following facts:
- You will never be asked to pay for services or help to apply for Nevada Health Link coverage.
For a small fee—which means access to your credit card or bank account—scammers promise to help you find the right plan. Nevada Health Link has trained and certified enrollment assisters through the state to help you at no cost. If a caller is asking for payment to help you through the Nevada Health Link enrollment process, this is likely a scam.
- Beware of “non-insurance” extras.
If you did not request the information, and you are asked to provide personal information for add-on or non-insurance-related items such as groceries or gift cards this is most likely a scam.
- Talk to a certified agent/broker.
One of the most popular scams involves an individual pretending to be a licensed broker wanting to help you navigate the insurance marketplace. To avoid this trap, ask for their state license number and National Producer Number. All certified brokers in Nevada must have both and be willing and able to give them to you. You can look up broker status on the Nevada Division of Insurance’s website, at this link. And you want to be sure you’re finding a Nevada Health Link certified broker or enrollment assister. Use this link to be sure you’re in the right place.
- Medical discount plans are not health insurance.
Sometimes, medical discount plans illegally pretend to be insurance. If you don’t recognize the primary plan or the insurance carrier, ask if the plan is approved by the Nevada Division of Insurance (DOI) and if it is classified as health insurance. Buying a discount plan or a plan that is not considered health insurance by the DOI may cause you to spend thousands in unnecessary costs without getting the protection and benefits of a qualified health plan through Nevada Health Link.
- You do not need additional insurance to cover COVID-related issues.
Your health insurance carrier should cover all medically necessary expenses as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. If you are being asked to purchase additional coverage for things like COVID-19 treatments, tests, or vaccines, this is a scam.
