Verify where the offer comes from
Start with official sources such as HealthCare.gov or your state's official Marketplace. The FTC warns that dishonest businesses can pay to appear prominently in search results and use similar-looking addresses or official-looking logos. An ad's position or appearance does not verify its identity.
If someone contacts you unexpectedly, pause before sharing information. Use a contact method you obtained independently from an official source to check who is contacting you. The Marketplace may contact applicants, but a caller's claim still deserves verification.
Separate insurance from a sales promise
Ask for written benefits and coverage details. The FTC advises checking an insurer's license with the state insurance regulator and verifying a claimed relationship with a major insurer directly. A medical discount plan is not a substitute for health insurance, even when some discounts are legitimate.
Be cautious when an offer emphasizes cash, gifts, or other perks while providing little explanation of the coverage. Ask concrete questions about deductibles, covered services, and participating providers. Do not let pressure to act immediately replace a careful review.
Protect your account and report concerns
HealthCare.gov warns against paying someone who claims you must pay them to qualify for or keep Marketplace, Medicaid, or CHIP coverage. Insurance premiums are paid to the selected insurer. Marketplace-trained assisters provide free help, and official account security codes can help protect your login.
Report suspected fraud through the FTC's official reporting process and contact the Marketplace when your application or information may be affected. Keep a record of the offer and contact details without engaging further with a suspicious sender.
Fictional example and practical checklist
Rae receives a fictional message urging an immediate insurance decision. Rae saves the message, opens the official website independently, and checks the claimed organization. Before reviewing any plan, Rae asks for written coverage information and verifies who would receive a payment. The pause gives Rae time to investigate instead of accepting the sender's framing.
- Check the exact website address before entering information.
- Verify unexpected contacts through an independent official channel.
- Request written benefits and confirm the insurer's license.
- Treat pressure and vague coverage answers as reasons to investigate.
- Use available account security protections.
- Save evidence and report suspected fraud through official channels.