With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in Connecticut and the Continuous Medicaid Unwinding for Medicaid members, people who are no longer eligible for Medicaid/HUSKY will need to choose a new healthcare option.

During Medicaid Unwinding and any Special Enrollment Period, the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) advises consumers to use caution when purchasing health insurance. While certain companies may appear enticing with their remarkably low prices, it is important to recognize that they may lack the necessary licensing and expertise to sell insurance in Connecticut. These companies can potentially expose you to significant medical expenses that may not be covered by an unregulated health insurance plan sold by an unlicensed agent.

To safeguard your well-being, financial security, and your health it is essential to select a health insurance plan that is reputable, trustworthy, and licensed to sell insurance in Connecticut.

The full list of licensed health insurers approved to sell insured health plans to Connecticut residents can be found here.

CID has received inquiries and complaints about organizations that appear to be selling health insurance but are not licensed health insurance companies or insurance producers in Connecticut.

Insurance consumers are facing an overwhelming surge in advertising tactics across multiple platforms, including telemarketing, social media, and the internet. Many of these products being promoted may not qualify as legitimate health insurance plans or possess the necessary licensing required in Connecticut. The advertised companies may not provide coverage for what you need when you need it, or the coverage may be so inadequate you end up with significant medical bills. It is important to always use caution and avoid products that lack essential consumer protections.

Protect yourself from health insurance fraud with our list of preventative measures you can take when purchasing coverage.

1. Check the Legitimacy:
   • Before joining any health plan, confirm the credibility of the insurance provider or company by contacting the Connecticut Insurance Department to find out if they are licensed.
2. Research the Plan:
   • Research the health plan being offered. Check for consumer ratings, reviews, and feedback. If something sounds too good to be true, chances are, it probably is.
3. Recognize the Warning Signs:
   • Avoid health plans that promise impossibly low prices. To entice customers, fraudulent plans commonly use deceptive advertising strategies. Pay attention to aggressive sales tactics and unsolicited offers.
4. Review the Coverage Details:
   • Examine the plan's coverage specifics, including benefits, limitations, exclusions, and the network of providers. Make sure the plan addresses your specific healthcare needs and offers coverage for essential treatments including preventative care, prescription medications, and emergency services.
5. Seek Professional Advice:
   • Consider contacting the Connecticut Insurance Department or health insurance professionals who can offer you unbiased advice and assist you in navigating the complex landscape of health insurance.
   • Access Health CT
6. Protect Personal Information:
   • Use caution when providing personal information, particularly to unfamiliar or unverified parties. Your sensitive information may be used by scammers to steal your identity or obtain illegal access to your financial accounts. Only provide personal information to trusted sources.
7. Report Suspected Fraud:
   • The Connecticut Insurance Department should be notified right away if you come across a health plan that seems fraudulent or suspect any fraudulent activity. Your report can help prevent consumers from falling victim to scams.

Anyone with questions can contact the Connecticut Insurance Department by email at insurance@ct.gov or by calling 860-297-3900.

Additional Resources:

• List of licensed carriers selling ACA-compliant plans in Connecticut.
• Access Health CT - The Connecticut State Health Insurance Exchange.

About the Connecticut Insurance Department: The mission of the Department is to protect consumers through regulation of the industry, outreach, education, and advocacy. In FY 2018, the Department recovered more than $4.5 million on behalf of consumers and regulates the industry by ensuring carriers adhere to state insurance laws and regulations and are financially solvent to pay claims. The Department’s annual budget is funded through assessments from the insurance industry. For every dollar of direct expense, the Department brings in about $8.35 to the state in revenues. In FY 2018, the Department returned more than $145 million in assessments, fees, fines and penalties, and taxes to the state’s General Fund.

For help with all your insurance issues:

• Email us at insurance@ct.gov
• Ask a question or file a complaint online
• Call the Consumer Helpline at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.
• Sign up for e-alerts to get the latest news, warnings and rate changes that may affect your premium
• Download consumer FAQs on health, homeowner and auto coverage
• Use the Department’s Speakers Bureau for public events.
• Visit our Web site and follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube