Hello, health insurance hunters! Are you on the prowl for a new health plan but worried about getting snared by a scam? You’re in the right place! Grab a seat and let’s dive into the wild world of health insurance trickery and how you can dodge these digital traps.

The Scam That Just Won’t Quit

In a plot twist that even the best soap operas would envy, MediaAlpha, a company that was supposed to help people find health insurance, turned out to be starring in a drama of deceit. According to the FTC, MediaAlpha posed as a friendly neighborhood insurance service while allegedly sneakily collecting your personal information to sell to telemarketers. That’s right—your quest for health insurance might have led to an endless barrage of robocalls and sales pitches. Talk about a nightmare!

The Bait and Switch

Here’s the kicker: MediaAlpha allegedly used ads that looked like they were from the government, promising low-cost, comprehensive health insurance quotes. Spoiler alert—the insurance was neither comprehensive nor as advertised. Instead, the telemarketers who got your info were offering plans that covered about as much as a hospital gown in a snowstorm—barely anything!

How to Spot and Stop the Scams

So, how can you make sure you’re getting real health insurance and not a magic bean? Here are some tips to keep you on the right track:

  1. Don’t Rush the Decision: If someone’s pushing you to sign up ASAP without giving you the full scoop in writing, that’s your cue to moonwalk out of there. Legit plans will happily provide all the juicy details upfront.

  2. Read the Fine Print: No one likes homework, but in this case, it’s crucial. Verify if what you’re being sold is actual health insurance or just a “medical discount plan” with a fancy title. Double-check with your healthcare providers about coverage specifics.

  3. Search and Research: Before you commit, do a quick background check. Search online for the company and plan names along with keywords like “scam” or “fraud.” It’s like Facebook stalking for your wallet’s safety.

  4. Report Suspicious Activity: If an ad feels fishy or too good to be true, you might be onto something. Report any misleading ads to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You’ll be doing yourself—and future victims—a big favor.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Now, go forth and conquer the health insurance jungle with confidence!

For the original article and more details, visit: FTC Consumer Protection Article.

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/looking-health-insurance-make-sure-thats-what-youre-getting