I've spent more than 30 years investigating consumer scams, and I can tell you this: few times of year bring out the con artists like open enrollment. People are shopping for coverage, deadlines are looming, and scammers know it.
Their pitch often sounds legitimate. The "plan" may even have a real-sounding name. But some of these so-called health plans pay for few, if any, of your medical bills. Others are just a way to grab your money or your personal information.
The good news? You can beat them by slowing down. Here's what to watch for, how to check a plan before you sign up, and what to do if something feels off.
The Quick Version
- Know which enrollment you're in. Medicare open enrollment and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace have different dates and rules. See the specifics below in our FAQs.
- Verify every unexpected call, text or ad. Especially if someone is rushing you.
- Get the details in writing first. Ask what the plan covers, what it costs and what it excludes before you share anything sensitive.
- Marketplace enrollment help is free. Never pay an unverified seller to get or keep coverage.
- Report anything suspicious. You don't need proof of a crime to file a report.
Why Scammers Love Open Enrollment
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) put it bluntly in its open enrollment scam alert:
"Scammers often work overtime during Open Enrollment for both Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace to try to steal money, personal information, or charge for so-called 'health plans' that cover few — if any — medical expenses."
Here's the trap: a familiar program name or an official-looking ad doesn't make a plan real. Scammers borrow the language of Medicare and the ACA because it sounds trustworthy.
So start by asking yourself one question: am I shopping for Medicare or for Marketplace coverage? They're separate programs with separate enrollment periods.
- Medicare: Go to Medicare.gov for dates and plan options, including Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
- ACA Marketplace: Go to HealthCare.gov to confirm dates and whether you qualify for help paying premiums.
If a caller tells you a deadline is "tonight" or promises a subsidy, don't take their word for it. Check it yourself.
Red Flags to Watch For Before You Share Anything
A health insurance scam can reach you by phone, text, online ad or even at your front door. The moment someone asks for your Social Security number, Medicare number or payment details, stop. That's your cue to verify who you're dealing with.
To be fair, an unexpected call or a little urgency doesn't automatically mean fraud. But watch out if the seller:
- Won't send you the plan details in writing
- Discourages you from calling the insurer yourself
- Pushes you to decide right now
- Asks for sensitive information before answering your questions
A legitimate seller has nothing to hide. If they won't let you check their story, you don't have enough information to say yes. The FTC's guide to spotting health insurance scams lists more warning signs.
Don't Let a Free Gift Distract You
Grocery cards, cash rewards and other perks are great at grabbing your attention. That's exactly the point. While you're thinking about the freebie, you're not thinking about whether the plan will actually pay your doctor.
Ask for the plan's full name and get the details in writing. Then check:
- Which doctors, prescriptions and services are covered
- The premium, deductible and copays
- What's excluded
Don't rely on a catchy headline or a salesperson's summary. And if the seller keeps steering back to the gift card every time you ask about coverage? End the call.
Never Pay a Stranger to Get or Keep Your Coverage
The FTC's advice couldn't be clearer: "Don't pay anyone who says you have to give them cash, cryptocurrency, or your credit or debit card numbers to get or keep your health coverage."
If someone demands one of those payments, treat it as a major red flag. Getting help enrolling through the Marketplace is free.
Yes, a real health plan will usually charge a premium. But before you pay a dime, confirm the plan and how to pay for it through an official enrollment channel, not through the person who called you.
How to Check If a Health Plan Is Real
Here's my golden rule: you start the conversation. Don't click the link in a surprise text or call back the number in an unexpected message. Go to the source yourself.
| Shopping for | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| ACA Marketplace coverage | HealthCare.gov | 1-800-318-2596 |
| Medicare coverage | Medicare.gov | 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) |
Before you give anyone sensitive information, call the insurance company using a number you looked up yourself. Confirm three things:
- The plan actually exists.
- The seller is authorized to sell it.
- What you were promised matches the plan's written terms.
Want more ways to vet an unfamiliar website or a request for your personal data? See TrustDALE's guide to researching health insurance safely online.
And if it's Medicare coverage you're shopping for, check out our blog on protecting your Medicare benefits.
Think It's a Scam? Here's What to Do
Hang up or stop replying. Don't send money or any more information.
Then save everything: texts, emails, screenshots, receipts, the caller's name and number, and any plan documents. The more details you have, the more useful your report will be.
Report suspected fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If Medicare is involved, also contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. You can also read TrustDALE's tips on protecting your Medicare benefits.
Don't worry about whether it was "really" a crime. Your report can help warn the next person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Medicare open enrollment?
Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. That's when you can compare and switch Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. Check Medicare.gov for the details that apply to the year you're shopping for.
When does Open Enrollment Begin on Healthcare.gov?
For 2027 coverage, the HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment Period runs from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, for most states, If your state operates its own independent exchange rather than using HealthCare.gov, deadlines may vary (for example, some states extend enrollment through January 31). In Georgia, residents must enroll through Georgia's official state-based marketplace at Georgia Access. Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 15, but if you need coverage to begin on January 1, 2027, you must enroll by December 15, 2026. If you register after that date, your coverage will likely begin on February 1, 2027.
Is help signing up for Marketplace insurance free?
Yes. Enrollment help through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace is free through HealthCare.gov or its official call center. The plan itself may still have premiums and other costs.
What should I do if I already gave a scammer my card number?
Call your bank or card company right away using the number on the back of your card or on its official website. Explain what happened, ask about stopping or disputing the charges, and report the scam to the FTC.
How can I tell if a health insurance plan is legitimate?
Look it up on HealthCare.gov or Medicare.gov, depending on the coverage you need. Then call the insurer using a number you found yourself, and compare the plan's written coverage and costs with what the seller told you.
Where do I report a health insurance scam?
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If Medicare is involved, you can also contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
The Bottom Line: Verify Before You Enroll
Open enrollment gives you time to make a smart decision. Don't let a pushy sales pitch take that time away.
Slow down, use the official websites, and check the plan before you pay or share personal information. A real offer will hold up to simple questions about what it covers, what it costs and who's selling it. If it can't, walk away.