What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the designated period when individuals can enroll in or make changes to their health insurance plans. For 2025, the Open Enrollment period runs from November 1, 2024, through January 15, 2025. During this time, consumers in Nebraska can choose health coverage through the Marketplace or update existing plans. However, scammers often exploit this time of year by pretending to be legitimate insurance representatives, which can lead to serious financial loss and identity theft.
7 Tips to Avoid Scams During the 2025 Open Enrollment Season
Know the Official Marketplace Website
The first step in protecting yourself is to ensure you’re using the correct website. The official Health Insurance Marketplace website for Nebraska is Healthcare.gov. Be wary of any website or email offering health insurance from non-official domains or that look suspiciously like the official site.
What to look for:
- Official website ends in .gov
- Secure URL starts with https://
- Clear contact information and customer support numbers
Avoid Unsolicited Calls or Emails
Scammers often contact potential victims through unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages. They might pretend to represent the government, your current insurer, or a fake insurance company.
How to identify suspicious communication:
- You receive unsolicited calls asking for personal information.
- The caller pressures you into making an immediate decision.
- They request payment over the phone via gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid cards.
Always verify the authenticity of the person or organization reaching out by checking official contact numbers or websites.
Check for Licensed Insurance Agents
In Nebraska, all insurance brokers and agents must be licensed. If you’re dealing with a broker or agent, you can confirm their credentials through the Nebraska Department of Insurance by visiting their official website.
Red flags for unlicensed agents:
- Unable or unwilling to provide a license number.
- Offering a deal that seems too good to be true.
- Pressuring you to purchase a plan immediately without fully explaining it.
Never Share Personal Information Over the Phone
Scammers often ask for personal information like your Social Security number, bank details, or health insurance ID to commit fraud. Legitimate organizations like the Marketplace or your insurance company will never ask for sensitive information over an unsolicited call.
Best practices:
- Only provide personal information on secure, official websites or during verified communications.
- If you’re unsure about a request, hang up and call the official customer service number.
Be Wary of “Limited Time Offers” or “Special Deals”
Health insurance plans through the Marketplace follow strict pricing regulations, and there are no “special deals” or “limited-time offers” for signing up quickly. If someone tries to rush you into making a purchase by offering these kinds of promotions, it’s likely a scam.
Legitimate plans offer:
- Standardized rates for all applicants.
- Transparent details on what the plan covers and its cost.
- Open Enrollment dates that apply to all customers, with no early bird discounts.
Check Plan Details Carefully
Some scammers try to sell fake or junk insurance plans that provide minimal coverage or none at all. These plans may seem affordable, but they often leave you without sufficient medical care when needed.
Things to check in a legitimate plan:
- The plan must cover essential health benefits like emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventive care.
- The insurer must be a reputable company with a long-standing presence in Nebraska.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a scam or suspect one, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the Nebraska Department of Insurance. By reporting scams, you not only protect yourself but also help prevent others from falling victim.
Useful resources for reporting:
- FTC’s Consumer Hotline: 1-877-FTC-HELP
- Nebraska Department of Insurance Fraud Hotline: 1-877-564-7323
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and experienced professional to guide you through the process, Mark is here to help. With years of expertise in health insurance, Mark is licensed through the Nebraska Department of Insurance, ensuring that you receive only legitimate advice and services. Mark provides clear, transparent, and reliable support to make sure you find the best health insurance plan for your needs.
Contact Mark today for assistance during Open Enrollment:
- Phone: 402-718-9400
- Website: www.marketplacenebraska.com
Remember, the only deadline you should be rushing to meet is the official Open Enrollment period—scammers thrive on urgency, so take your time to make informed decisions with Mark by your side.
