New York State Attorney General Letitia James along with Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, are warning residents in the state regarding common health insurance scams. The warning comes as the 2026 open enrollment period has begun through NY State of Health Marketplace. AG James says during this time, health insurance scams “spike” during the open enrollment period.
“As health care costs skyrocket and federal support hangs in the balance, access to affordable health insurance is more important than ever,” said Attorney General James. “We cannot allow predatory scammers to swindle New Yorkers out of their hard-earned money. I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and contact my office if they believe they are the target of a scam or fraud. My office will always work to hold bad actors and fraudsters accountable.”
Through the NY State of Health Marketplace, residents can enroll in health programs including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. The state requires enrollees to renew their eligibility for any one of these programs each year with a renewal notice sent in advance of their coverage end date.
“To enroll in commercial health insurance (qualified health plans) through NY State of Health for 2026, New Yorkers must do so during the open enrollment period that started on November 1. Enrollment must be completed by December 15 for coverage to begin on January 1, 2026. New Yorkers who experience qualifying life events.” James’ Office said in a release.
With the period open, residents are being asked to remain vigilant following reports of scammers pretending to be the NY State of Health and selling fake health insurance to steal money and personal information. AG James says scammers have used fake websites and phone numbers or lie regarding their affiliation with health plans.
New Yorkers should look out for the following tactics scammers use to target those who are trying to obtain or keep health insurance:
- Scammers often use fear by threatening New Yorkers that their health insurance is at risk of cancellation, or that they have already lost their health coverage unless they provide hundreds of dollars to reinstate or continue benefits.
- Scammers will also use false offers of generosity to lure New Yorkers into providing personal information. This is typically done through phishing scams offering people gift cards or money to “update” their health accounts so as not to lose coverage.
- Scammers may ask for money to enroll people in marketplace or “Obamacare” insurance. The New York agencies that administer Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan benefits will never use the term “Obamacare” or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll. They will also not offer New Yorkers rewards to renew their coverage.
Tips to prevent becoming a victim and avoid being scammed, AG James and Commissioner McDonald provided the following tips.
- No one can ever charge you a fee to renew your health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan, or a Qualified Health Plan.
- If you enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free. These include NY State of Health’s certified enrollment assistors (including navigators, agents, and brokers) and Customer Service Center representatives. Find help at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777.
- If you enrolled in Medicaid through either your county’s Medicaid office or through New York City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA), there are also many people available to help you for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing your insurance.
- Government agencies will never threaten you, demand you pay money, or ask for credit information in a text message, e-mail, or phone call.
Many websites will try to make you think that it is the official New York state health insurance Marketplace. There is only one official NY State of Health website. Submitting your contact information to some websites may lead to calls, texts, or emails from scammers.
If your health plan includes a monthly premium, you will pay your health plan directly. The NY State of Health website does not ask for your bank account information or require you to make any payments.
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