Telemarketers Try To Pressure You Into Non-Compliant ACA Plans [COMMENTARY]

The telemarketer's are at it again. Another consumer alert has been put out by the Wyoming Insurance Commissioner warning us against non-compliant health plans.

Recently, Tom Glause, Wyoming Insurance Commissioner, has put out another consumer alert, warning us about telemarketer's that are trying to sell you a bill of goods.
The bill of goods are not good at all. In fact, they are phony and non-compliant "short-term" or "limited benefit" health insurance plans, disguised as a legitimate Affordable Health Care product from the governments Market Place.

There are a few fallacies that must be dispelled as to avoid being a victim of fraud. Here are some truths about the ACA that you should know, to arm yourself against these criminals.

First of all, one needs to look at the enrollment period itself. This is the end of March and the enrollment period to grab a health plan from the Market Place doesn't even begin until November 1, 2016. It's a pretty tight window. The enrollment period ends January 31, 2017.

Another thing to be aware of is that there are no "special enrollment periods" outside of the open enrollment period dates listed above. So if someone tells you that, obviously they are trying to fool you.

If they ask you to visit their special website, be aware here too. There is only one, official website that is put out by the government, which is www.healthcare.gov. Now another insurance carrier, who offers the plan, may link to their website, but there is only one official website.

So what do you do? If you receive a call from one of these shysters, ask for their license number and if they don't want to do that, then hang up on them. Also, never provide your social security number, health information, bank account or any other personal information that could compromise your privacy or safety.

Another thing you can do, is ask them to email or snail mail the information so that you can take a look at it. But remember not to give them you personal information, no matter what.

The bottom line is that any reputable and licensed health insurance salesman already knows that the enrollment period is over at this time. If they pressure you to provide this information, hang up the phone and don't answer again.

If you have received a call similar to this, you should call the Wyoming Department of Insurance at 307-777-7401 or toll free at 1-800-438-5768. Be warned and be armed.