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Health care reform scams on the rise
by: PHIL MULKINS World Action Line Editor
Friday, July 23, 2010
7/23/2010 7:40:15 AM
Dear Action Line: Does the new health insurance reform law require seniors to buy something called "Obama-Care Supplemental Insurance?" My mother was approached about this outside her church by a man in a suit and tie. — L.T., Tulsa
ObamaCare scams: Health insurance reform was just signed into law March 23, and already scam artists are using this to trick consumers into buying bogus health-insurance products and services, says a consumer alert issued April 16 by Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel. He has received reports of this taking place in Arkansas, meaning it is likely such scams will surface here as well.
One involves "insurance agents" going door to door, selling policies, claiming they are "with 'ObamaCare' " and "representing the Federal Government." These strolling tricksters exclusively target seniors at their front doors, uninvited and not expected.
They say the consumer "must purchase some type of insurance policy to meet coverage requirements" citing the new health care reform law. The consumer is then sold an insurance plan. The consumer is often told the insurance must be purchased within a limited-enrollment period that ends soon. The consumer buys unnecessary, inappropriate and overpriced insurance and has given out personal information that might be used fraudulently.
No G-man insurance: McDaniel warned consumers that neither the state nor federal government is going door to door selling insurance and it is not calling people to sell insurance. Beware of high-pressure sales tactics and the phrases "limited-time offer" or plans "required by the new health care act." If someone claims to be a government representative and you are uncertain of his identity, ask to see credentials, or simply say "no thanks" and close and lock the door.
Scare e-mails: A rash of bogus e-mails concerning the health insurance reform act is circling the Internet. See Politifact.com's "E-mail 'analysis' of health bill needs a check-up" at tulsaworld.com/healthinsscareemail.
Skinny on health insurance reform: See "Frequently Asked Questions about Health Insurance Reform" at tulsaworld.com/faqhealthinsreform and Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland's webpage "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" at tulsaworld.com/oidppaca. For an independent point of view see the Foundation for Health Coverage Education info on the health insurance reform act at tulsaworld.com/hce.
Original Print Headline: Health care reform scams on the rise
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