Trick or Treat: Learn How to Avoid Health Insurance Scams During Open Enrollment

ST. PAUL, Minn.—This open enrollment season, be on the lookout for online scams targeting Minnesotans who need health insurance. MNsure’s open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023. Scammers take advantage of this opportunity to try to trick Minnesotans into purchasing products that do not provide comprehensive coverage.

For example, if you search for MNsure online, you may see ads or websites that appear to be the official MNsure website but are not. Some of these sites collect your contact information and may bombard you with phone calls. Scammers also may claim they can find you a better plan for less money or threaten that your coverage will be discontinued if you don’t re-enroll.

Here are three tips to verify you’re working with MNsure and purchasing comprehensive health care coverage:

1. Watch out for unsolicited calls, especially those that require immediate payment. MNsure has a statewide network of certified brokers and navigators who can help Minnesotans apply and enroll in health coverage, but they provide this help for free. MNsure will never call and ask for a Social Security number, credit card or bank account number.

2. Check the website URL. Make sure to click on MNsure.org if using a search engine, or type MNsure.org into the address bar.

3. Make sure you’re buying comprehensive coverage. All plans sold on MNsure.org include essential health benefits and important consumer protections – anything less may leave you in a lurch if you get sick or have to go to a hospital. Plans available outside of MNsure may not include the same benefits and protections.

More tips to protect against fraud and how to report suspected fraud are available on the MNsure website.

For free help with the application process, you can connect with a MNsure-certified broker or navigator in your area. If you need additional assistance, please call MNsure's Contact Center at 651-539-2099 (855-366-7873 outside the Twin Cities).