How to Avoid Affordable Care Act-Related Scams
While the debate surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues, some consumers are left frustrated and concerned. It’s up to consumers to sift through the ACA plans and insurance company offerings to find the best and most affordable option for their family.
There are two important aspects to consider in this changing health insurance environment: finding a valid, compliant insurance plan and avoiding health care scams. Unfortunately, choosing a plan isn’t that simple.
Right now, Americans are split into groups of winners and losers when it comes to health care. They are stuck in the middle of an ongoing battle between health care giants, the government and their physicians.
After the ACA’s implementation and shaky website launch, private insurance companies have started to take advantage of consumer uncertainty, and consumers are getting duped by the more dubious members of the insurance world. Put simply, con artists love nothing more than a confused consumer.
How to Avoid Obamacare Scams-Kiplinger
We’re easy targets. Before more of the millions of uninsured Americans are taken advantage of by these individuals, it’s important to learn how to identify and avoid scams — and what to do if they have already signed up for one of these inadequate and non-compliant plans.
Is It a Scam?
First, let’s tackle how to identify and avoid these scams. So far, the easiest way to identify an insurance scam is if the salesperson classifies their plan as “non-ACA compliant,” meaning not providing the minimum coverage requirements outlined by the Affordable Care Act.
This should be an instant red flag because the ACA requirements were set for a reason. Though these non-compliant plans may be cheaper, they do not provide adequate coverage. These agencies are cheating the system.
While their plans can sometimes be more affordable than ACA plans, the recipient will still have to pay the tax penalty for failing to comply with the ACA’s individual mandate.
Other scams come in the form of package deals for auto insurance, which the ACA has nothing to do with. Too-good-to-be-true plans promising lower rates for car or home insurance are just that: too good to be true.
Ultimately, the onus is on the consumer to decipher which options are legitimate and which are not, but there are resources and individuals available to ensure you sign up for a real ACA-compliant plan.
Help! I’ve Been Duped
What options do you have if you’ve been victimized by a non-compliant insurance plan salesperson? Many Americans are facing this reality as they try to tell the difference between affordable plans that protect and affordable plans that deceive.
Unfortunately, the rise in scams means a growing need for consumer protections that the health care industry wasn’t anticipating.
To prepare, consumers need to be ready to take action. For those who wish to enter the field of health care management, there is a need for people trained in negotiation and dispute resolution to help duped individuals deal with this insurance confusion.
These individuals can clarify and outline the basics: how to transition from uninsured to insured with a plan you can afford — while ensuring compliance to avoid a tax penalty.
If you believe you are the victim of a health care scam or you simply need assistance in working in the increasingly complicated system, seek the help of a health care conflict manager.
These experts are focused on finding the best solution in a field where there should never be winners and losers. Health care fraud can increase prices for everyone for the short and long term, and, as long as so much confusion surrounds this field, fraud will continue to affect individuals and families.
Affordable Care Act-Related Scams
Much like people used to do their own taxes more often than not, people used to pick their health care plans without having to worry about falling victim to scams.
In those days, scams were easier to spot, as the health care system was easier for some people to navigate. As the Affordable Care Act is implemented and current health care plans change, the days of clear choices are numbered.
Moving forward, finding the right coverage for you and your family should be left to the professionals. Avoid being caught up in a fraudulent setup that can affect your care, your credit and, perhaps most importantly, your peace of mind.
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Category: Health
