Medicare Enrollment Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Every fall, Medicare’s annual enrollment period brings a flood of phone calls, texts, mailers and ads. It usually runs from October 15 to December 7. Millions of people are comparing plans at the same time, and scammers know it. They count on confusion and on people feeling rushed. Here’s how to recognize the tricks and where to turn for real, trustworthy help.
Why This Season Is Risky
During enrollment, getting contacted about Medicare feels normal, so a scam call doesn’t seem out of place. Scammers use that to get your Medicare number, your Social Security number or your bank details. Your Medicare number is valuable to a thief, because it can be used to bill Medicare for services you never received.
Common Medicare Scams
The “new Medicare card” call. Someone says they need to “verify” your information so they can send you a new card. Your card is free, and nobody should need your details over the phone to send one.
The “free” offer. Free back braces, genetic tests, medical equipment or “COVID kits,” offered by phone or at a booth, as long as you give your Medicare number. The goal is to bill Medicare in your name.
The threat. A caller says your coverage will end, or you’ll lose benefits, unless you act or pay today.
The refund. You’re told you’re owed money back, and they need your bank details to send it.
The pushy plan switch. A caller or ad pressures you to change plans right now, and may not tell you what you’d lose.
The fake official. The caller says they’re from Medicare, Social Security or the government. Caller ID can be faked, so a number that looks official doesn’t prove anything.
Warning Signs
You didn’t ask for the contact. Medicare generally doesn’t call you uninvited to sell you something or to ask for personal information. Insurance companies and agents generally aren’t allowed to cold call you about Medicare plans, unless you’ve given permission or you’re already a member.
They ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number or bank details.
Pressure to act today.
A “free” gift that comes with a request for your number.
Payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
What To Do Instead
Hang up, or don’t reply. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Protect your Medicare number. Treat it like a credit card number. Share it only with your doctors, your pharmacy, and the plans you’ve chosen yourself.
Go to the real source. Use Medicare.gov by typing it into your browser, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Get free, unbiased help. Every state has a SHIP program (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), with trained counselors who help you compare plans at no cost. You can find yours at shiphelp.org.
Take your time. Open enrollment lasts for weeks. You don’t have to decide on a phone call.
Check Your Statements
Look at your Medicare Summary Notice, or log in to your account at Medicare.gov, and check for services or equipment you didn’t receive. If something doesn’t look right, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
If You Already Shared Your Number
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and tell them what happened.
Watch your statements and your Medicare Summary Notice for charges you don’t recognize.
If you shared your Social Security number or bank details, contact your bank, and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. IdentityTheft.gov has step-by-step help.
Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
A Note About What We Do
Kendera Global can help with the technology side of this season, like setting up your online Medicare account, finding your way around Medicare.gov, or blocking scam calls and texts on your phone. We can’t recommend plans or give insurance advice. For that, a SHIP counselor is the best place to start.
