DIFS Takes Action to Help Protect Michiganders from Health Insurance Plan Fraud

Media Contact:? [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2024

(LANSING, MICH) To commemorate Insurance Awareness Day on June 28 and to help protect consumers from Health Insurance Marketplace fraud, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox took action today to reinforce that switching a person?s plan, coverage options, or agent of record without their consent is against the law. Michiganders who have experienced unauthorized changes to their Marketplace plans should report it to DIFS so the Department may take appropriate regulatory action.

?Every Michigander should have access to affordable, high quality health insurance that they can count on when they need it most,? said Director Fox. ?Signing up for a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace gives people the coverage they need to protect their family?s wellbeing, and today?s action will give them peace of mind that no one else can change their coverage without their consent. We will continue to identify every method possible to protect people from bad actors and work to protect health insurance coverage for Michigan families.?

DIFS is the consumer protection agency responsible for regulating insurance and financial services in Michigan. This includes licensing insurance agents and approving health insurance plans for sale on the federally operated Health Insurance Marketplace. In the bulletin issued today, the Department reminded agents and others that it is a violation of state law to:

• Change an insured?s plan or agent of record without proper consent.
  
  
• Report false information, such as an incorrect income level for a consumer so that they qualify for an inappropriate premium tax credit, which can later result in owing increased taxes.
• Forge another person?s name to an application for insurance.

Individuals who engage in such activity may be subject to DIFS enforcement action and referral to federal authorities.

Consumers who believe that their insurance plan, coverage, or agent were changed without their consent are encouraged to file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints or 877-999-6442. Michiganders with questions about their health insurance may contact DIFS Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS?or follow the Department on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.

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