Federal officials met at the White House today to launch a new initiative to prevent, protect against and, if necessary, prosecute consumer fraud and privacy violations in the health insurance marketplaces established under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Attorney General Eric Holder, Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius highlighted aspects of the fraud and privacy violation prevention and protection efforts, including dedicating the health insurance marketplace call center as a resource and point of referral to the FTC for consumer concerns and connecting consumers to the FTC through HealthCare.gov. The new efforts also involve developing a system of routing complaints through the FTC's consumer network, establishing a rapid response system for addressing privacy and security threats and educating consumers on how to avoid scams.
Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about the possibility of identity theft and privacy violations in the insurance marketplaces, especially through the navigator program. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released a staff report today stating the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act navigator and in-person assistance programs lack basic safeguards against fraud and abuse.The navigators and in-person assisters will perform informational services for Americans who need assistance in shopping for and enrolling in plans this fall.
More Articles on PPACA Security Concerns:
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