Trick or Treat: Learn how to avoid health insurance scams during open enrollment – Detroit Lakes Tribune

ST. PAUL —This open enrollment season, be on the lookout for online scams targeting Minnesotans who need health insurance.

MNsure’s open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. Scammers take advantage of this opportunity to try to trick Minnesotans into purchasing products that do not provide comprehensive coverage, according to a MNsure news release.

For example, if you search for MNsure online, you may see ads or websites that appear to be the

official MNsure website

but are not. Some of these sites collect your contact information and may bombard you with phone calls. Scammers also may claim they can find you a better plan for less money or threaten that your coverage will be discontinued if you don’t re-enroll.

Here are three tips to verify you’re working with MNsure and purchasing comprehensive health care coverage:

1. Watch out for unsolicited calls, especially those that require immediate payment. MNsure has a statewide network of certified brokers and navigators who can help Minnesotans apply and enroll in health coverage, but they provide this help for free. MNsure will never call and ask for a Social Security number, credit card or bank account number.
2. Check the website URL. Make sure to click on MNsure.org if using a search engine, or type MNsure.org into the address bar.
3. Make sure you’re buying comprehensive coverage. All plans sold on MNsure.org include

   essential health benefits
   …