Idahoans being targeted by health insurance scam

Idahoans could be victims of a possible scam by a company using deceptive practices to market health insurance.

The Idaho Department of Insurance said Your Health Idaho, the state’s health insurance exchange, has received complaints from consumers who have been contacted by an organization called National Enrollment Center. The department said multiple attempts to contact the company went unanswered or were disconnected.

“We don’t really know what type of health insurance they are selling,” says Consumer Services Bureau Chief Elaine Mellon. “When pressed for details about what company they sell for, what type of insurance they are selling, or licensing information, they hang up.”

Idaho’s open enrollment for health insurance opens November 1, 2016 and will continue through January 31, 2017. Anyone offering insurance plans through an “enrollment period” outside of open enrollment is not selling a compliant policy.

The department also offered some advice:

• No one offering ACA-compliant health care coverage will ask if you have a pre-existing condition.

• The federal government will not call you to sell you health insurance. Be wary of telemarketers from the “National Enrollment Center,” “National Healthcare Center,” or other official-sounding names.

• Never provide bank account or health information or agree to any request to send money over the phone. If you are being pressured to provide this information, hang up.

• Purchase insurance only from a licensed agent. Ask agents for their license number and verify they are licensed by calling the Department or visit here . If a person refuses to provide licensing information, hang up.

• If you receive a sales call from someone selling health insurance, ask the caller to send you information in writing about the policy, including premiums. If they refuse, hang up.

Anyone with questions should contact the Idaho Department of Insurance by calling 208-334-4250 or 1-800-721-3272.