News
November 14, 2025
N.Y. State warns of health insurance scams
NEW YORK — A consumer alert is warning New York residents about common health insurance scams as 2026 open enrollment begins through the NY State of Health Marketplace.
**N.Y. State Warns Residents About Health Insurance Scams As Open Enrollment Begins**
NEW YORK – As New Yorkers navigate the complexities of selecting health insurance plans during the 2026 open enrollment period through the NY State of Health Marketplace, state officials are issuing a crucial consumer alert: beware of scams. With the annual enrollment period underway, scammers often capitalize on the increased activity and confusion to prey on unsuspecting individuals and families.
The warning aims to protect residents from fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal information, financial details, or enroll individuals in sham health plans that offer little to no actual coverage. Officials are particularly concerned about the vulnerability of those unfamiliar with the marketplace or those urgently seeking affordable healthcare options.
The alert highlights several common tactics used by scammers. These include unsolicited phone calls, emails, and even door-to-door visits promising unbelievably low premiums or comprehensive coverage. Scammers often impersonate legitimate insurance companies, brokers, or government representatives, using official-sounding names and logos to appear credible. They may pressure individuals to provide sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card numbers, under the guise of verifying eligibility or processing enrollment.
Another red flag is the promise of "too good to be true" deals. Legitimate health insurance plans are regulated and priced competitively. Offers that seem drastically cheaper than other options are almost certainly scams. Similarly, be wary of anyone who rushes you to make a decision or threatens that you will lose out on coverage if you don't act immediately.
To protect themselves, New Yorkers are urged to only use the official NY State of Health Marketplace website or contact the marketplace directly through their official phone number. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent an insurance company or broker before providing any personal information. Refrain from sharing sensitive data over the phone or through unsecured email. If you suspect you have been targeted by a health insurance scam, report it immediately to the New York State Department of Financial Services or the Federal Trade Commission. Staying vigilant and informed is the best defense against these deceptive practices and ensuring access to legitimate and affordable healthcare coverage.
NEW YORK – As New Yorkers navigate the complexities of selecting health insurance plans during the 2026 open enrollment period through the NY State of Health Marketplace, state officials are issuing a crucial consumer alert: beware of scams. With the annual enrollment period underway, scammers often capitalize on the increased activity and confusion to prey on unsuspecting individuals and families.
The warning aims to protect residents from fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal information, financial details, or enroll individuals in sham health plans that offer little to no actual coverage. Officials are particularly concerned about the vulnerability of those unfamiliar with the marketplace or those urgently seeking affordable healthcare options.
The alert highlights several common tactics used by scammers. These include unsolicited phone calls, emails, and even door-to-door visits promising unbelievably low premiums or comprehensive coverage. Scammers often impersonate legitimate insurance companies, brokers, or government representatives, using official-sounding names and logos to appear credible. They may pressure individuals to provide sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card numbers, under the guise of verifying eligibility or processing enrollment.
Another red flag is the promise of "too good to be true" deals. Legitimate health insurance plans are regulated and priced competitively. Offers that seem drastically cheaper than other options are almost certainly scams. Similarly, be wary of anyone who rushes you to make a decision or threatens that you will lose out on coverage if you don't act immediately.
To protect themselves, New Yorkers are urged to only use the official NY State of Health Marketplace website or contact the marketplace directly through their official phone number. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent an insurance company or broker before providing any personal information. Refrain from sharing sensitive data over the phone or through unsecured email. If you suspect you have been targeted by a health insurance scam, report it immediately to the New York State Department of Financial Services or the Federal Trade Commission. Staying vigilant and informed is the best defense against these deceptive practices and ensuring access to legitimate and affordable healthcare coverage.
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