County Warns of Health Care Scams

The county's department of citizen services warned this week of two scams directed at Medicare recipients and residents who qualify for health coverage in the new healthcare exchanges.

In one instance two women went to the home of a Medicare recipient, unannounced, and handed out a business card that asked "Do You Need Insurance?". The Maryland Department of Aging discovered the number on the business card connected to a woman's voicemail, not a business.

"Such door-to-door and telephone 'cold calls' are prohibited under federal law," said Dayna Brown, administrator for the office of aging. "Residents should be wary of solicitor's whose business cards lack adequate information."

In the second instance, an insurance agent emailed the county's office of consumer affairs offering to help find affordable health coverage. The email implied that a penalty would be charged if customers don't sign up by Jan. 1, 2014, according to the county. However, enrollment penalties will not be assessed until March 31, 2014.

"Misinformation about the deadline for coverage can create a sense of urgency that may result in customers making hasty and costly decisions," said Rebecca Brown, administrator of the office of consumer affairs, in a statement.

Brown stated the agent agreed to change the offer after being informed of the incorrect information.

To help residents who suspect someone may be trying to scam them, the officer of consumer affairs set up a fact sheet online, "Avoiding ID Theft and Fraud in the New Health Insurance Marketplace", to aid residents.