Quick Verdict
Start at HealthCare.gov to check a Marketplace insurance offer and find approved enrollment help. Confirm what coverage the product provides before sharing information. A medical discount card is not health insurance, and an official-looking ad does not verify its seller.
Health insurance advertisements can lead to very different products. Some promote Marketplace plans; others sell limited-benefit products or discount memberships. An attractive price does not tell you which one you are considering.
What prompted this warning?
In an October 29, 2026 consumer alert, the Federal Trade Commission warned about misleading health-insurance marketing during open enrollment. It highlighted products whose coverage may not match the advertisement and medical discount plans that are not insurance. The alert also addresses sellers that imply a government connection.
This is a warning about marketing practices, not a finding that every broker or low-priced plan is fraudulent. A company name, product documents and an independently verified enrollment route are needed to evaluate a specific offer.
Check the offer before enrolling
| What the ad says | What to verify |
|---|---|
| “Marketplace” or government-backed coverage | Begin at HealthCare.gov and follow the enrollment route for your state. Compare the exact plan and insurer there. |
| A very low monthly price | Ask for the full product name and written coverage details, including benefits, exclusions, deductible and provider network. |
| A card gives access to discounted care | Determine whether it is insurance or only a medical discount membership. A discount card is not a replacement for insurance coverage. |
| A representative can enroll you | Locate enrollment assistance independently through the official Marketplace, rather than relying on the ad’s phone number or government-style logo. |
Keep the advertisement and the documents you receive. If the seller will not identify the insurer or explain what the product covers, you do not yet have enough information to compare it with a Marketplace plan.
Verify unexpected calls and requests for information
HealthCare.gov’s fraud guidance explains that legitimate Marketplace calls can occur. Caller ID alone is not reliable verification. If you are unsure, end the call and use the Marketplace Call Center number published on the official website: 1-800-318-2596.
A genuine application may require personal information, including a Social Security number. The important check is whether you are using a verified application or assistance channel—not whether the caller already knows something about you.
The same guidance warns against someone claiming you must pay them to apply or keep coverage. Insurance premiums are a separate matter and should go to the insurance company you choose. Verify a payment instruction before sending money to a person who contacted you.
Where to get help
Use HealthCare.gov’s enrollment-help route to connect with assistance instead of choosing a seller solely from an unsolicited message. Confirm the plan, insurer and any application change before authorizing enrollment.
If you think someone changed an application without permission, contact the Marketplace through its official website or Call Center and explain what happened. Preserve the ad, messages, enrollment documents and any payment records so the issue can be investigated.
Looking for Medicare rather than Marketplace coverage? These are different enrollment systems. See our separate Medicare enrollment scam guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are insurance brokers always a warning sign?
No. Legitimate agents and brokers help people enroll. Verify assistance independently through the Marketplace and confirm the exact coverage being offered.
Does the Marketplace ever call applicants?
Yes, legitimate calls can occur. If a call is unexpected or suspicious, contact the Marketplace yourself using the number on HealthCare.gov before sharing information or approving changes.
Source review: November 4, 2026. Enrollment rules and available plans vary by state and individual circumstances; use the official enrollment route for your situation.
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