At Sterling Benefits, we are proactively working with multiple resources to dissect the various facets of the law and to understand the guidelines and timelines it presents to our clients. You can expect that we will provide ongoing communications and information as interpretation and implementation details continue to unfold from the government.

Our priority at Sterling Benefits is to stay focused on delivering value and quality customer service to our customers as we work together with health care reform. Significant changes will take place in 2014. In the meantime, there are some items that will require attention much sooner. We will keep you posted as details and clarifications from the government are made available. We encourage you to review this information and utilize our office as a resource in addressing questions and concerns.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

FTC Alert: Scammers Out to Trick Consumers Using Affordable Care Act

No sooner had the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Care Act than scam artists began working the phones. They say they're from the government and that, using the Affordable Care Act as a hook, they need to verify some information. They might have the routing number from your bank, and then use that information to get you to reveal the entire account number. Or, they'll ask for your credit card or Social Security number, Medicare ID, or other personal information.
 
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, advises consumers not to give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or knocks on your door. Scam artists want your information to commit identity theft, charge your existing credit cards, debit your checking account, open new credit card, checking, or savings accounts, write fraudulent checks, or take out loans in your name.
  
To avoid scams related to ACA implementation:
  • If someone contacts you and asks you to give personal information such as your Social Security Number or bank account number in order to get benefits under the ACA or Obamacare, don’t do it. No legitimate government agency or company will call, email or text you for this information.
  • Be skeptical of anyone who offers to help you understand the ACA if you pay them first.
  • If someone claims to be an official ACA navigator, don’t just take their word for it. Ask for their credentials and then do your own research to determine if they are legitimate.
  • Don’t believe anyone who tells you that their company is the only place you can buy health insurance that complies with the law.
  • Don’t do business with anyone who threatens you or tries to intimidate you.
  • Before you purchase a new health insurance policy, make sure you ask for and read the details of the plan carefully. Avoid so-called “discount health plans” that aren’t really insurance coverage and may leave you without the coverage you need.
If someone who claims to be from the government calls and asks for your personal information, hang up. It's a scam. The government and legitimate organizations you do business with already have the information they need and will not ask you for it. Then, file a complaint at ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. If you think your identity's been stolen, visit ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT. You also can file a complaint with your state Attorney General.
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