In a press release this week, Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable urges consumers to be cautious about solicitation calls or emails related to health insurance during the open enrollment period. (Did you know? MMCCU members have access to insurance options through a partnership with TruStage. Learn more here.)
Wisconsinites who need health insurance are encouraged to work with a licensed insurance agent or an enrollment assister so they can obtain coverage while safeguarding personal information. Consumers can also call the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit WisCovered.com to find free, expert help in their area.
Wisconsinites should be cautious if they receive robocalls or unsolicited sales calls from individuals offering to sell health insurance over the phone. Consumers should verify the legitimacy of the individual they are speaking with by asking:
- Are you a Wisconsin-licensed health insurance agent or broker? If so, what is your national producer number (NPN)?
- Are you a Wisconsin-licensed navigator or certified application counselor?
- Are you offering ACA-compliant qualified health plans?
- Am I eligible for a discount or reduced premium based upon my income on the Exchange?
- Am I eligible for Medicaid or BadgerCare?
- Are you showing me all the insurance options available?
- Are you charging me a fee? Signing up for health insurance should be free.
“As you shop for health insurance online or over the phone, keep in mind that you may become a scammer’s target,” said Commissioner Afable. “Work with verified, legitimate sources to learn about health insurance coverage and how to get enrolled. Those sources may be your insurance agent, the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline, or WisCovered.com.”
Wisconsin consumers can search companies, agents, and navigators with our lookup portal here to confirm the company or agent offering insurance is legitimate and licensed to sell insurance in our state. If you have trouble locating your agent or navigator you can call OCI at (800) 236-8517.
“Make sure to do your research, only utilize resources you know and trust, and don’t respond to calls or email solicitations from numbers you don’t recognize or people you don’t know,” concluded Commissioner Afable.
Finally, if you have been a victim of a scam, consumers can also file a complaint with DATCP online at datcp.wi.gov, by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128, or by emailing DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.
