How to Spot Health Insurance Scams During Open Enrollment

Health‑insurance scams increase during the annual Open Enrollment period for Medicare and the Marketplace. The Federal Trade Commission warns that bad actors pay for top‑search placement and use look‑alike web addresses, official‑sounding logos, and persuasive language to lure shoppers. Victims may end up paying for a non‑existent plan or exposing their medical identity.

Why the scams spike now

According to the FTC Consumer Advice, the enrollment window creates a surge of traffic as people search for new coverage. That traffic attracts scammers who want to appear at the top of search results. They buy ad space and craft URLs that closely resemble the real government sites, hoping users won’t notice the subtle differences. The timing is intentional: the more people looking, the higher the chance someone clicks a deceptive link.

Common tricks to watch for

Scammers rely on a few predictable tactics:

• Paid‑search ads that mimic official pages, The ad copy may include the Medicare or HealthCare.gov logo and use keywords like "official" or "secure". The FTC notes that these ads are labeled "Ad" or "Sponsored," but the label can be easy to miss.
• Look‑alike domain names, Web addresses may replace letters or add extra words (for example, "medicaregov.com" instead of "medicare.gov"). The site may still display a government seal, making it appear authentic.
• Phone numbers that lead to scammers, Clicking the ad may present a phone number that routes to a call‑center selling fake plans. The FTC warns that using the advertised number can result in paying for a plan that doesn’t exist.
• Requests for personal or financial information, A fraudulent site might ask for Social Security numbers, bank details, or medical history before offering a quote.

How to verify you are on a legitimate site

The FTC provides clear steps to confirm you are dealing with an official resource:

1. Type the URL directly, For Medicare, enter medicare.gov; for the Marketplace, use healthcare.gov. Avoid clicking links in ads or email messages.
2. Look for the .gov domain, Genuine government sites end in ".gov". If the address ends with ".com" or another extension, it is not an official site.
3. Use the official toll‑free numbers, Call 800‑633‑4227 for Medicare help or 800‑318‑2596 for Marketplace assistance. These numbers connect you to the real agencies.
4. Check for the "Ad" label, Paid results will have a small "Ad" or "Sponsored" tag next to them. Scroll past these listings to find the organic results.
5. Seek local assistance, The FTC suggests contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or a Senior Medicare Patrol for free guidance. For ACA plans, the "Find Local Help" link on HealthCare.gov connects you with certified counselors.

Practical steps to protect yourself and your organization

Below are actions you can take right now to reduce the risk of falling for a health‑insurance scam, whether you are an individual or a small‑business owner helping employees navigate enrollment.

• Educate staff and family members, Share the FTC’s warning signs in newsletters or brief meetings before the enrollment window opens.
• Create a quick‑reference guide, List the official URLs and phone numbers on a poster or intranet page.
• Encourage direct navigation, Remind users to type the address into the browser rather than clicking ads.
• Verify any offer by calling the official number, If a plan sounds too good to be true, call the agency’s toll‑free line to confirm its legitimacy.
• Report suspicious activity, Direct anyone who encounters a possible scam to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to their state attorney general. For Medicare‑related fraud, also report at medicare.gov or call 800‑633‑4227.
• Secure your own website, Make sure your organization’s site does not inadvertently host misleading ads or third‑party content that could confuse visitors. Learn more about website security.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you suspect a health‑insurance scam, act quickly:

• Stop any payments, Contact your bank or credit card issuer to halt pending charges.
• Report the fraud, Use the FTC’s reporting portal and your state attorney general’s office.
• Check your medical records, Look for unauthorized claims that could indicate identity theft.
• Update passwords and enable multi‑factor authentication, Strengthen any online accounts tied to health information.
• Seek professional advice, Reach out to SHIP, the Senior Medicare Patrol, or a certified insurance counselor to explore options for legitimate coverage.

Staying vigilant during Open Enrollment can prevent financial loss and protect sensitive health data. By following the FTC’s guidance, verifying official sources, and reporting suspicious activity, you can navigate the enrollment period with confidence.

The FTC Consumer Advice brief was published on September 28, 2026, and includes a round‑table video on September 29, 2026.