How to identify and avoid health insurance scams

One common tactic involves scammers impersonating Medicare or other government workers. They may call or email you saying they need your Social Security number, bank account information, or a fee for a new Medicare card, which is not something you have to pay for.

Government agencies, like the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)⁠⁠, will never call you unexpectedly to ask for your personal information or money.

Some scammers will offer medical discount plans that are fake or talk about them as if they are health insurance.

While some legitimate discount programs do exist, they are not insurance and they aren’t a substitute for health insurance. They offer reduced rates on services like dental, vision, hearing, or chiropractic care for a monthly fee.

Be wary of any offer that promises significant discounts without clear details on what’s covered and which health care providers are part of the plan.

Scammers may send fake emails, texts, social media messages, or even create ads designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information, such as your Social Security or health insurance ID numbers. These phishing attempts often look like they’re from legitimate companies, making it easy to fall for the trap.

If you receive an unexpected message asking for personal details, don't respond or click on any links. Instead, visit the company’s official website directly or call their customer service line to verify the request.

Scammers often pose as real insurers to collect personal or financial information. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and take time to double-check.

Before purchasing any health insurance plan, make sure the company is legitimate. You can confirm an insurance provider’s license through the NC Department of Insurance⁠⁠.

Scammers often reach out unsolicited by phone, email, or social media, offering too-good-to-be-true health insurance plans.

Always be cautious of anyone who contacts you out of the blue, especially if they request personal or financial information immediately. Legitimate insurance companies won’t pressure you into making snap decisions.

Health insurance scams often share common red flags:

• Unsolicited offers of "free" health insurance
• Requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers
• High-pressure sales tactics that push you to act fast
• Unusual fees for things like updating your information or ensuring continued coverage

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to walk away. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to trick people into making impulsive decisions.

Never share your Social Security number, bank account details, or health insurance ID number with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and reach out to the organization through official channels. Government agencies like Medicare will never ask for payment or personal information over the phone.