Minnesota: @MNsure Warns Against Scams During Open Enrollment

via MNsure, Minnesota's ACA exchange:

ST. PAUL, Minn.—MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, encourages consumers to be aware of scams targeting Minnesotans who need health insurance during the open enrollment period that runs through January 15, 2023. Scammers may use high-pressure phone calls or misleading websites to obtain personal information or try to fool Minnesotans into purchasing products that do not provide comprehensive coverage.

For example, if you search for "MNsure" online, you may see ads or websites that appear to be the official MNsure website but are not. Some of these sites collect your contact information and may bombard you with phone calls. Scammers also may claim they can find you a better plan for less money or threaten that your coverage will be discontinued if you don’t re-enroll.

Here are four tips to verify you’re working with MNsure and purchasing comprehensive health care coverage:

• Watch out for unsolicited calls, especially those that require immediate payment. MNsure has a statewide network of certified brokers and navigators who can help Minnesotans apply and enroll in health coverage, but they provide this help for free. MNsure will never cold call you to try and sell you health insurance or give your phone number to a broker without your prior permission, and MNsure will never ask for a Social Security number, credit card or bank account number.

• Check the website URL. Make sure to click on MNsure.org if using a search engine, or type MNsure.org into the address bar.

• Take advantage of MNsure’s free and anonymous cost estimates online. MNsure.org has a cost estimator tool that allows you to shop for health plans without submitting your contact information. Be careful with websites that insist on collecting your telephone number to provide you with an estimate. Providing your telephone number to these websites may lead to numerous unwanted calls.

• Make sure you’re buying comprehensive coverage. All plans sold on MNsure.org include essential health benefits and important consumer protections – anything less may leave you in a lurch if you get sick or have to go to a hospital. Plans available outside of MNsure may not include the same benefits and protections.

More tips to protect against fraud and how to report suspected fraud are available on the MNsure website.

For free help with the application process, you can connect with a MNsure-certified broker or navigator in your area. If you need additional assistance, please call MNsure's Contact Center at 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities).