####Missouri Attorney general warns of possible scams associated with Affordable Care Act

Attorney General Chris Koster has teamed up with the Missouri Hospital Association to educate Missourians about the federal health insurance exchange plan that takes effect Oct 1.

Koster and the association are warning against possible scams or fraud that some might prey on residents trying to enroll in the exchange.

They offer the following tips on how to make sure it is legitimate:

+ No enrollment assisters will ask for money. If someone asks for money to enroll you, it is a scam.
+ Check for credentials. Certified application counselors have been certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and insurance navigators are licensed with the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration.
+ Do not be swayed by high-pressure visits, mail solicitations, emails and phone calls from people pretending to work for the government.
+ Only provide personal information if you initiate the contact. Sign up using the official website at HealthCare.gov.
+ Watch for “fake” products. Some prescription cards that scammers try to sell will be phony.

For more detailed information, visit the [Missouri Attorney General website](https://www.ago.mo.gov/).

####Gov. Nixon releases statement on shutdown

Gov. Jay Nixon spoke out against the developing shutdown of the U.S. government.

“A prolonged shutdown will put jobs at risk and undermine confidence in our economy, so I urge folks in Washington to put an end to the gridlock and start working together to move our country forward,” Nixon said in a statement.

The governor’s office said it is watching the situation closely to figure out what the impact will be on state agencies and how to minimize those impacts.

“Here in Missouri, we reach across the aisle to balance budgets, control spending and protect our AAA credit rating,” Nixon said.