Happy Tuesday, readers. With some individuals noting today’s coincidence of Cinco de Mayo and “Taco Tuesday,” I’m reminded that the history of the largely U.S. traditions is, well, not what you might think. Founded in Wyoming, Taco John’s restaurant owner coined the original term “Taco Twosday” to help boost midweek taco sales in the 1980s. I suspect he didn’t know it’d cross restaurant lines, influencing consumers’ mealtime decisions across the country.  

And despite common confusion, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain (that day is celebrated annually on Sept. 16), but a day commemorating the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862 (with celebrations originating among Latino Californians as a “rallying cry to fight for democracy,” according to a UCLA professor). Today, the day is primarily celebrated in the Mexican State of Puebla and, you guessed it, the U.S.  

Zoë Buhrmaster here. Now that we’ve got caught up on some history, bear with me as we switch gears to an entirely different topic – health coverage scams in Montana.  

In a time where many patrons are seeing their insurance premiums spike with the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced subsidies last year, those individuals seeking out more affordable plans are warned to watch out for companies that may claim to be a part of the ACA marketplace, though they are not on Healthcare.gov. 

At the beginning of the year, ACA enrollment in Montana had dropped by around 6%, on par with the nationwide decline. It remains to be seen whether enrollment will drop again once patients have to pay their premiums after the initial grace period. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is expected to release final enrollment data this summer.  

The state auditor’s office reported Monday that it has received complaints from patients who signed up for health care coverage through Strategic Limited Partners (SLP), believing it to be an ACA-compliant policy with low insurance premiums and comprehensive coverage. When SLP refused to pay medical bills the patients had incurred, they filed a complaint with the state auditor.  

Spokesperson Tyler Newcombe said the office received 12 complaints from patients who had signed up for SLP.  

SLP is not licensed to issue insurance in Montana and in April Commissioner of Insurance James Brown issued a cease-and-desist to stop the company from continuing statewide operations. SLP complied.  

“My number one goal is to protect Montanans,” Brown said in a prepared statement. “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical. If a health insurance plan’s fine print designates participants as ‘employees’ or ‘partners,’ find out more. My fellow Montanans are encouraged to read an insurance plan and its coverage carefully before signing up.”  

He advised consumers to contact the Insurance Consumer Service Bureau at the Office of Securities and Insurance before enrolling in a plan if they have questions or concerns. ICS can be reached at 800-332-6148 or 406-444-2040.