The following is a message from the OFIR:
The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation today warned Michigan consumers that scam artists may be using the passage of federal health care reforms as an opportunity to confuse and defraud the public. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, scam artists are going door-to-door peddling fraudulent health care policies and claiming there is a limited open-enrollment period to buy health insurance now. A number of scammers have even set up toll-free phone numbers.
“Michigan consumers should be on the look out for scam artists peddling policies that are time limited, offer limited benefits, or claim to be required by health insurance reform,” OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross said. “Any Michigan consumer that gets this kind of a pitch should contact OFIR immediately.”
If consumers have complaints or questions regarding a Michigan insurance company, agency or agent they can reach OFIR toll-free at 877-999-6442 or at www.michigan.gov/ofir.
OFIR advised consumers that a number of real health reforms will take place this year, including:
- A new high-risk pool will be established for consumers blocked out of insurance due to a pre-existing condition.
- Insurers will be prohibited from imposing lifetime limits on benefits and will be restricted on the use of annual limits.
- Insurers will be prohibited from rescinding coverage.
- Insurers will be prohibited from excluding children with pre-existing conditions.
- Unmarried children could remain on their parent’s health plan until age 26.
For more information on federal health care reforms, visit: www.michigan.gov/healthreform.
