Are you getting health insurance?

How it works

A company contacts someone searching for health insurance and offers them what sounds like a real health insurance plan. The scammer collects payment and enrollment information. The buyer later discovers the product is actually a discount plan with limited coverage, not insurance.

Red flags to watch for

• Plan sounds like health insurance but is called a discount card or membership
• Price is unusually cheap compared to real insurance
• Company pressures you to enroll quickly without time to compare
• No clear explanation of what the plan actually covers
• Provider network is very small or unnamed

What to do

Before buying any health insurance or discount plan, check the company's credentials with your state insurance commissioner's office or visit healthcare.gov. Never assume a plan is real insurance based only on the seller's words. Ask for written details of coverage and exclusions, then read them carefully before paying. Contact your state's insurance department if something seems wrong.