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New York State is warning people about new scams that target individuals with Medicaid Managed Care, Essential Plan, HARP, or Child Health Plus health insurance.

According to New York Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, criminals are trying to take advantage of a recent change in the health insurance renewal process to trick people into giving them money. The criminals contact people whose health insurance is up for renewal and ask them to pay hundreds of dollars to keep their insurance. In addition, the criminals may use personal information that they collect for identity theft.

People, especially those with Medicaid Managed Care, Essential Plan, HARP, or Child Health Plus coverage, are being targeted with phone calls, emails, social media messages, and text messages.

Here are some important tips to follow if you are contacted about renewing your health insurance:

• No one can ever charge you a fee to renew, enroll, or re-enroll your health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, HARP, or the Essential Plan. Government agencies and companies that partner with government agencies – such as Fidelis Care – will never threaten you, demand you pay money, or ask for credit card information in a text message or phone call. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit Fidelis Care’s Renew Your Health Insurance page, the New York State Department of Health website or the State’s Medicaid information page to learn how they can renew health insurance.  
• If you enrolled in health insurance through NY State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free. These include the state’s health certified enrollment assistors (such as Fidelis Care representatives, navigators, agents, and brokers) and customer service representatives. For information or guidance, visit Fidelis Care’s Renew Your Health Insurance page or call 1-866-435-9521, or visit the NY State of Health’s website or call 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 many people available to help you for free. Contact Fidelis Care or the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing your insurance.  
• Look for the official NY State of Health,  Medicaid, or Child Health Plus logos or the logo of your county’s Medicaid office or HRA before you complete any forms.  

Any New Yorker who suspects that he or she is a victim of a scam is encouraged to report it to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) by submitting a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.