'Check before writing a check' health insurance campaign launched

Staff Reports

The Nevada Division of Insurance addresses health care insurance scams through an education awareness and advertising campaign on TV and on Web site banners reminding consumers to "check before writing a check."

The objective of the campaign is to educate Nevada consumers and small businesses about sham health insurance policies and products including dreaded disease policies, discount cards and programs, hospital indemnity programs, stacked policies and association or faith-based health sharing.

Health insurance scams targeting consumers and small business owners are on the rise due to ever-increasing health care costs. Although previous campaigns addressed this issue, these types of cases are again on the rise.

Consumers should be aware of potential health fraud when dealing with unauthorized agents and companies selling faulty plans.

To verify the authenticity of health care providers or for information about making decisions about health care and annuity plans, go to www.nvinsurancealert.com or call (888) 467-4195

Information, Kay Lockhart, (775) 882-1366 or Peggy Dehl, public information officer for the division of insurance, (775) 687-4270.

The Nevada Division of Insurance is at 788 Fairview Dr., Suite 300, Carson City.