The health insurance industry is urging its customers to beware of phony telemarketers pitching health insurance deals.  In the wake of healthcare reform, buyers need to be wary of scammers who tell them they need to buy a new health insurance policy because of the new law.  

The pitches may come in the form of phony e-mails, fraudulent online ads, door-to-door or by way of pushy telemarketers.  The scams promise a variety of bogus benefits or enticements such as “medical discount” cards.  The consumer ends up making huge payments that entitle the buyer to nothing more than a piece of paper-- the benefits don’t exist.  Scams of this nature have been identified in other states.

We encourage you to be on the lookout for such scams and to contact your South Carolina health insurance agent before making any changes.