Ohio Faces Growing Threat from Insurance Enrollment Fraud

Insurance enrollment fraud is becoming a significant issue in Ohio, as highlighted by the recent experience of Josh Smith, a resident physician in Cincinnati. Smith spent over two hours on the phone uncovering that his patient, Jill, had been fraudulently enrolled in an insurance plan by an unnamed broker. Jill, who earns too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance, had been unable to afford her medications due to a $75 co-pay she did not authorize.

The Healthcare Marketplace confirmed that this is part of a larger trend, with nearly every other call this year related to broker fraudulently enrolling individuals without their consent. This systemic issue not only affects Jill but potentially hundreds of thousands of Americans, as brokers seek commissions from insurance companies even on zero-premium plans.

To combat this fraud, it is crucial for individuals to protect themselves by verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be from the Healthcare Marketplace and reporting any suspicious activities. Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Insurance and federal authorities must take immediate action to regulate brokers and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.