The New York State government has warned that fraud targeting subscribers is rampant as it approaches the renewal period for government-provided health insurance such as Medicaid.
According to New York state government authorities, there is a series of scams targeting state health insurance subscribers, such as Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan, that seek to charge fees or steal personal information by approaching them with the promise of help with renewal.
Health insurance provided by the state verifies subscriber eligibility for insurance renewal every year, and fraud abuse is rapidly increasing.
The state advises not to disclose personal information to anyone other than a state health department certified registration assistant or customer service representative.
A state government official said, “Government agencies do not threaten subscribers or request money or credit information through text messages or phone calls,” and added, “If you suspect fraud, please report it to the Public Health Department by phone.”
The official also added, “The New York State Department of Health is helping subscribers renew their health insurance for free,” adding, “You can receive free help in signing up for or renewing health insurance through helpers such as navigators or agents certified by the Department of Health.”