Insurance Commissioner, DATCP Warn Wisconsinites to Watch for Health Insurance Scams
Madison, Wis. — Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable and Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary-designee Randy Romanski are urging Wisconsin consumers to be wary of robocalls and suspicious sales calls ahead of the new Enrollment Period on Healthcare.gov
Wisconsinites who need health insurance are encouraged to work with a licensed insurance agent or an enrollment assister so they can obtain coverage while safeguarding personal information. Consumers can also call the United Way's 2-1-1 helpline or visit WisCovered.com to find free, expert help in their area.
“Wisconsin consumers should only work with trusted sources during this enrollment period, such as their insurance agent, the United Way's 2-1-1 helpline, or WisCovered.com ," said Commissioner Afable. “Legitimate Navigators or Assisters are not allowed to charge for their help so if somebody requests payment, it's a scam."
The Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) reminds consumers that if they are ever unsure about an insurance company or agent, stop before signing any paperwork or issuing payment. Companies, agents, and navigators can be looked up on the OCI website at: oci.wi.gov/Pages/ConsumersHome.aspx. Using this lookup, consumers can confirm the company or agent offering insurance is legitimate and licensed to sell insurance in our state. If you have trouble locating your agent or navigator you can call OCI at (800) 236-8517.
“No one from the government will call you about health insurance or ask you to verify your Social Security number or financial information," added Secretary-designee Romanski. “If you receive a suspicious call soliciting private information, don't respond and hang up."
People can call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128, email DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov, or visit
datcp.wi.gov to file a complaint.