Insurance Department warns of scam

Seniors are being warned about unlicensed insurance companies preying on residents, a problem that extends nationwide.

The Delaware Department of Insurance and the Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance received information from a nursing home which reported that a company was attempting to sell to its residents plans marketed as a variety of health insurance products, such as dental, vision and audiology insurance.

Commissioner Trinidad Navarro says licensed companies do not perform these practices, and warns if a companies pitch seems too good to be true, it probably is.

He adds that taking the time to talk to elderly parents or relatives can save them from falling victim.

"That's why it's very important that we have regular conversations with our elderly population, our parents, or uncles, brothers, cousins, to make sure that these types of things don't happen and if they do that they call us as soon as possible."

If you or someone you know has been victimized you can call the Department of Insurance at 1.800.282.8611, or log on to insurance.delaware.gov.