Beware of scams citing Medicare, Medicaid, other health plans

By Kentucky Voices for Health

Fall brings open enrollment season, and while this year looks a little different with the ongoing renewals for Medicaid enrollees, scammers are still busy targeting Kentuckians looking for Medicare, Medicaid, or marketplace plans.

Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 7. There are a number of things to be excited about this year including a new cap on insulin costs, more covered vaccines (including the updated 2023 Covid-19 vaccine and the new RSV vaccine for seniors), and a cap on out-of-pocket drug costs that will start when coverage begins in 2024. But misleading marketing and unsolicited calls continue to plague members. Fortunately the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is enforcing new advertising rules that are designed to cut down on the confusion.

We also continue hearing about increased scam attempts since Medicaid renewals returned earlier this year. With redeterminations on hold since the pandemic began, many members are new or unfamiliar with the renewal process and scammers are looking to take advantage. While it’s very possible that Kentucky Medicaid will need new information from you to complete your renewal, remember you will never have to pay to complete your renewal.

Lastly, open enrollment for health coverage from the Kynect marketplace begins Nov. 1. With Medicaid disenrollments, this will likely be a big year for enrollment in Kynect's qualified health plans. Beyond scam attempts, marketplace enrollees should also take careful consideration of so-called “junk plans.” These short-term plans are intended to fill temporary coverage gaps, but some exploit this loophole to offer cheap plans that come with usage restrictions, hidden fees, and major coverage limitations. It’s always important to do your research and remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Regardless of coverage, all enrollees need to be on guard for outright fraud and identity theft. If someone calls claiming to be from the government, but lacks your Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security numbers or asks for credit card or banking info, it’s probably time to hang up. If something seems off, it's always best to make contact yourself through a verified channel and make changes directly rather than offering your personal info immediately to someone you don’t know.