Scam Warning involving Moda Health, Feb. 4

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) urges consumers to protect themselves from potential scams in light of the uncertainty caused by the financial troubles of Moda Health Plan Inc. DCBS is aware of multiple incidents in which consumers worried about the status of their insurance with Moda receive calls from people who claim to be able to help them. The incidents involve callers who ask for personal information, including Social Security numbers, and who threaten to cut off consumers’ coverage if they do not act immediately. Consumers who receive any such calls about Moda should not provide any of their personal information. It likely is a scam. Decisions have not been made about whether Moda customers will need to find new plans. Communications about such decisions will come from either Moda or the State of Oregon. To protect consumers and ensure claims are paid, DCBS has assumed control of Moda’s financial decisions. The department is working with Moda on a plan to improve its financial condition. Once the plan is finalized, more information will be released. In the meantime, Moda customers can continue to access services and get their claims paid. Oregonians who believe they have been a victim of a scam about Moda should contact the Oregon Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 503-378-4320 or http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/Pages/hotline.aspx, or visit OregonConsumer.gov. Frequently asked questions about Moda health plans are available on the DCBS, Division of Financial Regulation’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/Insurance/insurers/regulation/Pages/moda-faqs.aspx. Consumers are encouraged to regularly check for updates. Consumers may also contact the department’s consumer advocates by phone at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email at cp.ins@oregon.gov.