BOISE ID (October 14, 2011) – The Idaho Department of Insurance urges consumers to be careful when using the Internet to gather information about health care reform. Sites that request personal information from users should be approached with extreme caution.

Department Director Bill Deal says, “Use common sense when surfing the Internet. Sites may have an official-looking appearance, but may in fact be misleading or even fraudulent. Be proactive and do your research before divulging personal information.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently raised a red flag about a new website – http://preexistingconditioninsuranceplan.com. This website is not maintained by any government programs, and consumers are urged not to submit any personal information requested by this website on the assumption that it is a government website.

To learn about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan made available through the Affordable Care Act, consumers are encouraged to visit www.pcip.gov or call 866-717-5826.

The Department of Insurance also has information about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on its website, www.doi.idaho.gov.