“The Affordable Care Act (ACA) – Avoid Scams by Understanding Its Implimentation”

When government programs the size of the ACA go into effect, confusion abounds and scammers delight in our confusion.  I just read a great article in the October 2013 Hennepin Lawyer that outlined what basics to know and what to watch out for – good advice for us all!

First of all, in Minnesota, visit the MNsure website to help you determine whether or not you qualify for insurance coverage through this program. Remember that if you’re already covered by an insurance plan, you don’t have to do anything, unless you want to explore what may be less expensive options available to you. If you already qualify for Minnesota’s public health plans like Medical Assistance, or MinnesotaCare, you’re going to qualify for MNsure, so be sure to sign up. But, seniors covered on Medicare or those who get health coverage from a large company will not qualify. (**Small businesses should telephone the Health Insurance Marketplace Small Employer call center at 1-800-706-7893 for information on the new programs and processes of buying health insurance for your business.)

What you need to know to avoid scams:

1. There are no cards given out so beware of people telling you that you need one, and seniors, beware of people telling you that you need new Medicare cards – you don’t!
2. Health plans must now cover those with pre-existing conditions.
3. No one is going to call you (except a scammer!) and ask you for sensitive personal or financial information over the phone – so, if you get one of those phone calls, do not give them information even if they tell you that you must in order to get coverage, or to keep the coverage you already have. Don’t forget to report such phone calls to the Better Business Bureau right away to save someone else from being scammed.
4. Don’t let someone tell you that you might be fined if you don’t give them the information they need.  There will be no penalties exacted for being uninsured until after the enrollment date has come and gone, which is not until March 13, 2014. The 2014 penalty for not having insurance is $95 (family maximum fine is $285), or 1% of your taxable income, whichever is greater. This fine will not be billed, but assessed on your 2014 income tax, which is not due until April 15, 2015. So, no one should be calling you to tell you about your fine if you don’t buy insurance, and you won’t get a bill for the fine either.

In short, Dan Hendrickson with the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota gave great advice when he reminded us to know what’s expected during this implementation period. If we know what is supposed to happen, we can keep from being bullied or scammed by “fraudsters” trying to take advantage of people who are confused about the ACA.

ALL READERS:  This blog is not, nor shall it be deemed to be, legal advice or counsel. This blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader.  It is designed to encourage thoughtful consideration of important legal issues with the expectation that readers will seek professional advice from a licensed attorney.