The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance is warning consumers of potential fraud and identity theft that could befall them when signing up for insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
The OCI has been working with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Health Services to identify these schemes and protect consumers from them since open enrollment began in October. The open enrollment period ends March 31.
“Considering the scale of the Affordable Care Act rollout, the state’s Bureau of Consumer Protection received few complaints about scams,” said Sandy Chalmers, DATCP administrator for trade and consumer protection. “If Wisconsin consumers believe they have been targeted by a fraudulent health care pitch, file a complaint with DATCP so we can take immediate action.”
Consumers can protect themselves by confirming that the agent or company is licensed with the OCI, verifying the legitimacy of websites used to purchase insurance, keeping good records, only signing things they understand, being suspicious of unusual business practices, and avoiding high pressure tactics.
“The best way to protect yourself from fraud is to be prepared,” said Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel. “There are literally thousands of people who can help you in the final days of open enrollment, but you need to take the time to check them out. I urge you to take advantage of all the resources the state of Wisconsin has put together to help protect you.”
