NY health insurance open enrollment brings out the scammers, officials warn

New Yorkers signing up for health insurance through the state-run marketplace could encounter scammers, state officials warned.

A joint news release on Wednesday from state Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald warned of "reports of scammers pretending to be NY State of Health and selling fake health insurance to steal consumers’ money and personal information."

Scams often spike during open enrollment periods. Open enrollment for the marketplace, NY State of Health, started Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15.

"As New Yorkers enroll or renew their health coverage, it is critical they remain vigilant against scams that can put their personal information and access to care at risk," McDonald said. "The Department of Health is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that every New Yorker can access quality, affordable health insurance safely."

Some scammers appear to be taking advantage of uncertainty over changes imposed by President Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," state officials said. But work requirements and other new restrictions do not take effect until next year, and any messages that say otherwise "are likely scams," according to the release.

Common scammer tactics include threatening that health insurance is at risk of cancellation or that coverage has already been lost and can only be secured by paying hundreds of dollars to the scammer, according to the release. Scammers also may steal personal information by offering people gift cards or money to "update" their health accounts. Another scam tactic is to ask for money to enroll in marketplace or Obamacare insurance. The state agencies that administer Medicaid, Child Health Plus or Essential Plan benefits will never use the term Obamacare or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll.

Scammers may use websites designed to look like the official New York State health insurance marketplace. There is only one marketplace and it does not ask for bank account information or require a consumer to make any payments.

Consumers who enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health can talk for free to certified enrollment assisters at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 855-355-5777. Customers who enrolled in Medicaid through a county Medicaid office can contact the office where they enrolled to ask questions.

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a health insurance scam can report it to James’ office by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.

By Nicholas Spangler

nicholas.spangler@newsday.comspanglernewsday

Nicholas Spangler is a general assignment reporter and has worked at Newsday since 2010.