THE GEN C:\> SCAN HEALTH-INSURANCE-ADS
Misleading health insurance ads at open enrollment
Health insurance open enrollment brings a flood of ads, robocalls, and texts. Many promise "comprehensive" coverage that turns out to be a limited-benefit plan, or a medical discount card that isn't insurance at all. Marketplace enrollment runs November 1 to January 15. Some are made to look like they come from the government or a big-name insurer, and they often sit at the top of search results and on social media.
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"Government-approved health plans from $0 a month! Full coverage, no waiting. Press 1 to enroll before the deadline."
Red flags
- A prerecorded robocall selling health insurance (that's illegal)
- Full coverage for almost nothing, or cash rewards just for enrolling
- A site or ad that looks official but isn't HealthCare.gov
- Pressure to sign up on the call, with vague answers about what's covered
What to do
- Start at HealthCare.gov (type it yourself) or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.
- Ask whether it's real major medical insurance or a limited plan or discount card, and get the details in writing before you pay.
- Scroll past paid search ads, and don't trust caller ID.
- On Medicare? Use Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE instead. Medicare's open enrollment ends December 7.
Where to report it
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
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Sources
Last checked: 2026-11-02. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.