Healthcare Marketplace is seeing an increasing number of targets for fraud

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Potential misconduct by agents and brokers is on the rise in the health insurance market.

Consumers should be alert and check for changes and enrollments in their health insurance.

The Kansas Department of Insurance and Health insurance market offer some tips for consumers on how to recognize fraud and avoid becoming a victim of unauthorized changes or enrollment in insurance plans:

Confirm Authorization: Agents and brokers must obtain your authorization to enroll or make changes to your insurance plan. An agent or broker not yet associated with your registration must take additional steps to update your Marketplace registration.
Avoid red flags: If you come across a health insurance ad that offers you cash, gifts, or other bonuses, it could be a scam. Avoid sharing personal information that could be used without your consent.
Trust only official sources. Be sure to use only trusted official sources to find help in researching, choosing and enrolling in insurance plans. Review and compare plans carefully.

Agents and brokers not associated with your enrollment will need to make a three-way call with the consumer and the Marketplace call center or direct you to file the change yourself through Find Local Help on HealthCare.gov.

Consumers who believe they may be the victim of an unauthorized agent or broker should call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.