Weekly Scam Alert: Medicare Open Enrollment Is Coming — Watch for These Scams

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, and scammers know it.

As seniors begin receiving information about Medicare plans and prescription drug coverage, scammers may pretend to be from Medicare or a health plan to get your Medicare number, banking information, credit card number, or other personal information.

Watch for these warning signs

Be suspicious if someone unexpectedly calls, texts, emails, or comes to your door and says:

• “You need a new Medicare card.”

• “Your Medicare benefits are about to be canceled.”

• “We need your Medicare number to keep your coverage.”

• “You qualify for new benefits, but we need your information first.”

• “You need to pay for a new Medicare card.”

A caller may sound professional and may even know some information about you. That does not prove the call is legitimate.

Protect your Medicare number

Treat your Medicare number like you would a credit card number.

Do not give it to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Medicare says it will not call you unexpectedly and ask for personal or private information.

If someone says they are from Medicare and asks for your information, hang up.

Then call Medicare yourself at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or go directly to Medicare.gov.

Remember: Caller ID can be faked

Your phone might even display “Medicare.”

That still doesn't prove the caller is really from Medicare. Scammers can make a phone number or name on Caller ID look legitimate.

Never use the phone number the caller gives you to “verify” the call.

Use STOP → THINK → VERIFY → DECIDE

STOP — Don't give the caller any information.

THINK — Did you contact Medicare first, or did this person unexpectedly contact you?

VERIFY — Hang up and contact Medicare yourself using 1-800-MEDICARE or Medicare.gov.

DECIDE — Only after you've verified who you're dealing with should you provide information or make changes to your coverage.

The Bottom Line

Open Enrollment is a legitimate time to review your Medicare coverage. It is also an opportunity for scammers to create urgency and confusion.

You do not have to make a decision because someone calls you.

Stop and talk to someone you trust before doing anything.

Protecting Families Through Knowledge
Scam-Proof Senior