Are you looking to get or switch your health insurance? Know that some dishonest marketers might lie about what your plan would cover, make it seem like they’re selling health insurance when you’re just getting a discount plan, or try to sell you something else entirely.

If you’re looking for health insurance, make sure that’s what you’re buying:

• Don’t decide on the spot. Get details in writing before you sign up. If the marketer won’t give you information in writing about the plan’s benefits and limitations before you give a credit card number or other payment information, that’s a major red flag.
• Review the plan documents carefully and make sure it’s what you want. Is it health insurance, a medical discount plan, or something else? Call your health care providers directly to find out if it would cover your care, and how much it would cost you for things like going to the emergency room or being admitted to the hospital. Call before you enroll or pay any fees.
• Search online for any company or plan name listed in the documents with the words “complaint,” “scam,” or “fraud.” Read reviews and see what others have to say.

Spot a misleading ad? Tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information, click here.
 
Teaching Suggestions:

• Ask students if they know the difference between health insurance and a medical discount plan.
• Ask students to make a list of steps to take if they want to get or switch their health insurance.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important to get details of your medical plan and review it carefully before you sign up?
2. How do you check if your medical plan provider is a legitimate business?