PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha warned residents on Oct. 20 about limited-benefit, or "junk," health plans that can look like insurance but do not provide the coverage of regulated health insurance, his office said.

The products are not insurance and do not guarantee coverage of medically necessary services, according to the attorney general's office. Citing the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the office said consumers should watch for health care sharing ministries, discount plans and risk-sharing plans, which it said are commonly advertised in Rhode Island.

"With open enrollment beginning in November, Rhode Islanders may see more advertisements promoting fake or low-value health insurance plans," Neronha said. He said rising premiums and Medicaid cuts are pushing people to look for cheaper options.

The office said marketing for such plans must by law include a disclaimer that the product is not insurance and is not sold by a licensed insurer. It told consumers to ask for coverage details in writing and to walk away if a seller will not provide them.

Other warning signs, according to the office, include websites that use terms such as "Obamacare" or "Affordable Care Act" to appear legitimate; telemarketers or robocalls seeking sign-ups without written plan documents; caps on coverage or exclusions of hospital, physician or laboratory services; coverage that lasts only a short time; and very low premiums or "limited time offers." The office said consumers should not give callers bank, credit card or Social Security numbers or personal health information.

The state Department of Business Regulation keeps a list of licensed insurers, the office said.

Open enrollment on HealthSource RI, the state's insurance marketplace, runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2027. People who believe they bought a fraudulent plan can contact the attorney general's office at [email protected].

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