Phone scam targets New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid amid renewal push. What to know

David Robinson, New York State Team
·2 min read
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Authorities warned Friday of a new telephone scam targeting New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid and other related government health plans.

The scammers are deceptively calling people and asking them to pay hundreds of dollars to maintain their health insurance through Medicaid and related programs, said Attorney General Letitia James and Acting Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

The truth is that there is no charge or fee to renew your health insurance in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan.

New York Attorney General Letitia James.
New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The scheme aims to capitalize on the monumental state and federal effort underway to renew Medicaid or related coverage for millions of New Yorkers after pandemic-era measures expired. The renewal process paused during the pandemic but recently restarted. The renewal reviews will continue through spring 2024.

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How New Yorkers can avoid Medicaid renewal scam

There have been reports of scam calls threatening New Yorkers that their Medicaid coverage is at risk for cancellation or that they have actually already lost their Medicaid benefits, unless they provide hundreds of dollars to reinstate or continue benefits, authorities said.

Authorities offered tips to help New Yorkers properly re-enroll in Medicaid and related programs while avoiding the new scam.

Among the tips:

  • If you enrolled in health insurance through the New York State of Health, many people are available to help you renew for free.

  • These include the state’s health certified enrollment assistors (including navigators, agents, and brokers) and customer service representatives. For information or guidance, visit the State of Health’s website —https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ —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, there are also many people available to help you for free. Contact the office where you enrolled to ask questions and get help with renewing your insurance.

  • Government agencies will never threaten you, demand you pay money, or ask for credit information, in a text message or phone call.

To report suspected fraud:

  • Call the New York State of Health’s Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777. TTY users should call 1-800-662-1220.

  • Call your county’s Medicaid office or HRA at the phone number listed on the State of Health’s Medicaid page - at health.ny.gov.

  • Contact the Office of the Attorney General’s Health Care Helpline at 1-800-428-9071 or the state Department of Financial Services’ Consumer Hotline at 1-800-342-3736.  The AG's office also has submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755. 

This article originally appeared on New York State Team: Medicaid renewal phone scam targeting New Yorkers. What to know