Misinformation and fear seem to be the basis for the newest insurance scam: protection against the supposed dangers of Obamacare. In Illinois, for example, an elderly lady was sold a policy that the telemarketer told her would protect her again the “death panels” that the new Health Care Reform laws are supposed to create. In Alabama, fears of “government health care reform” have caused people to give a con man their bank account info over the phone. In Kansas, people have been claiming to be government employees collecting payments for the newly required “Obamacare” insurance.
The most obvious giveaway is calling it “Obamacare” in the first place, since there is no such law or plan. Another common scam seems to be coming from people claiming to be able to expedite Medicare rebates on drug coverage. (The government specifically doesn’t allow that to be done, so you know it’s not accurate if they claim to be doing so.) If you’re at all uncertain, it’s wise to check with your state’s Insurance department or the Better Business Bureau. While the latter is no guarantee, scams may be reported there, and you may be able to read their listings online during the weekend, when the state’s offices may be closed.
When in doubt, decline to purchase or participate at that time. If they’re legit, they won’t mind selling you the policy in a few days. Perhaps the best defense is knowing enough facts about the new laws so that you are able to recognize a lie or scam. Don’t trust biased perspective and political leanings. Rely upon unbiased sources, and remember that most of the new law doesn’t come into effect for at least a few years.
