Health Insurance Scams Rise During Open Enrollment
Fraudsters are impersonating officials to steal personal info from households during the federal enrollment windows.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Insurance
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The Better Business Bureau is warning households of a surge in health insurance scams as the Medicare and Healthcare.gov open enrollment periods begin. Scammers are impersonating government officials to steal sensitive personal information and financial details.
Why it matters
Fraudsters use high-pressure tactics and false deadlines to trick households into providing Social Security numbers or Medicare IDs. Protecting your personal identity is critical when shopping for health coverage this season to avoid financial theft.
Official reports indicate scammers are active throughout the Medicare and Healthcare.gov enrollment windows, targeting households with fake claims of expiring benefits. No dollar figure for total current losses is available.
The players
Better Business Bureau
A non-profit organization that provides guidance to consumers on identifying and reporting fraudulent business practices and scams.
The details
Scammers initiate contact through unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, often claiming they offer plans with superior benefits at lower costs. They may request Medicare IDs, Social Security numbers, or bank information under the guise of enrollment. Remember that legitimate government representatives and marketplace navigators never contact you unsolicited or charge fees for plan selection support.
Timeline
Medicare open enrollment occurs from October 15, 2026, through December 7, 2026.
Healthcare.gov Marketplace enrollment began on November 1, 2026.
The deadline to secure coverage effective January 1 is December 15, 2026.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment starts on January 1, 2027.
The deadline for coverage effective February 1 is January 15, 2027.
Money Landscape
Healthcare enrollment periods create predictable annual windows where households are actively engaged in insurance decisions. Scammers rely on the complexity of these government-regulated programs to disguise their illicit activities.
Never provide your Social Security number or banking details to individuals who contact you unexpectedly regarding health coverage. If you are unsure about an offer, verify your plan details through official government channels rather than relying on high-pressure solicitations.
The takeaway
Scammers exploit the urgency of enrollment deadlines to solicit sensitive information, so stay cautious of any unsolicited contact regarding your benefits. Keep a record of all legitimate correspondence and contact your insurance provider directly if you receive confusing or alarming messages.
Further reading
For tips on keeping your accounts secure, visit our Insurance section.
More information
Report suspicious solicitation attempts through the BBB Scam Tracker reporting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Enterprise.
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Do you trust unsolicited calls or messages claiming to offer better health insurance plans?
