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FTC Warns Consumers About Health Insurance Scams

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 · 2 sources

The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers to be cautious when shopping for health insurance to avoid scams. Some companies may be selling medical discount plans disguised as health insurance.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a warning to consumers about health insurance scams. Some shady companies are trying to sell medical discount plans, which are not the same as health insurance, by making them appear to be legitimate health insurance plans.

To avoid these scams, it's essential to do your research and carefully review any plan before purchasing it. According to the FTC, consumers should watch out for plans that seem too good to be true or those that ask for payment upfront.

The FTC has released a video to educate consumers on what to look out for when shopping for health insurance and how to avoid these scams. By being informed and vigilant, consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams and ensure they get the health insurance coverage they need.

The 50+ takeaway: Be cautious of fake health insurance plans.

Go Deeper

What is the difference between a medical discount plan and health insurance?

A medical discount plan is not the same as health insurance. It may offer discounts on certain medical services, but it does not provide the same level of coverage as health insurance. Health insurance typically covers a wider range of medical services and provides more comprehensive protection against medical expenses.

How can I protect myself from health insurance scams?

To protect yourself from health insurance scams, it's essential to do your research and carefully review any plan before purchasing it. Watch out for plans that seem too good to be true or those that ask for payment upfront. Make sure to check if the company is licensed to sell insurance in your state and verify the plan's coverage and exclusions.

What should I look for when shopping for health insurance?

When shopping for health insurance, look for plans that are licensed to sell insurance in your state. Check the plan's coverage, exclusions, and any limitations. Also, be sure to review the plan's network of providers and the costs associated with the plan, including premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Where can I find more information about health insurance scams?

You can find more information about health insurance scams on the Federal Trade Commission's website. The FTC also offers a video that educates consumers on what to look out for when shopping for health insurance and how to avoid these scams.

What should I do if I think I've fallen victim to a health insurance scam?

If you think you've fallen victim to a health insurance scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission and your state's insurance department immediately. They can help you determine if you've been scammed and provide guidance on how to get a refund or seek further assistance.