ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) - New York Attorney General Tish James issued a warning Thursday about a new scam targeting New Yorkers enrolled in public health insurance programs.

The state says that tor the first time since March 20-20, people enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan will have to renew their health insurance coverage.

In light of this, James is warning people of scammers calling people and asking them to pay hundreds of dollars to maintain their health insurance.

James says this is false, and New York agencies that assign Medicaid benefits will never charge or ask for money from consumers to enroll or re-enroll.

"It is despicable that scammers are trying to exploit New Yorkers' need for quality health insurance and uncertainty over ongoing Medicaid coverage," said Attorney General James. "The best tool consumers and families have to combat scams is knowledge, and that is why I am committed to raising this issue. I urge everyone to follow our important tips, and anyone impacted by this scam to contact my office immediately." 

If you see any health insurance related fraud, you can report it by taking the following steps of action...

  • Call the New York State of Health's Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777. TTY users should call 1-800-662-1220.
  • Call your county's Medicaid office or HRA at the phone number listed on the State of Health's Medicaid page.
  • Contact the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Health Care Helpline at 1-800-428-9071 or the New York State Department of Financial Services' Consumer Hotline at 1-800-342-3736.