How to Avoid Medicare Scams

As Medicare’s Open Enrollment period fast approaches, beneficiaries face a barrage of information and offers. While this annual registration window provides valuable opportunities to adjust coverage, it also attracts scammers looking to exploit confusion and urgency. Understanding how to protect yourself from Medicare scams is crucial for ensuring you receive benefits without disruption.  

3 Facts About Medicare Open Enrollment Periods

Understanding why you should stay on high alert during Medicare’s Open Enrollment can help you safely navigate this period.

1. Timing is crucial for ensuring you receive the desired coverage. The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. This is when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage for the following year.
2. There is increased scam activity during this time. Fraudsters often ramp up their efforts during open enrollment. They capitalize on common questions surrounding plan changes to trick unsuspecting beneficiaries.
3. Agency imposters might attempt to contact you about your benefits. Scammers send unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from Medicare. In reality, Medicare representatives won't contact you unexpectedly for personal information. 

What Medicare Scammers Want from You

Con artists want to steal your Social Security number or Medicare card number, which can put you at risk of identity theft or cause a disruption in benefit services. They do this by promising free medical supplies, cheaper plans, or refunds if you sign up now. Victims often find themselves enrolled in expensive plans that do not meet their healthcare needs or that someone has made fraudulent Medicare claims using their card. 

How to Protect Your Benefits

Medicare scams can have devastating consequences for beneficiaries. To safeguard your Medicare benefits and personal information, follow these essential tips:

• Keep your cards private. Do not share your Social Security card or Medicare card with anyone who does not have a legitimate reason for requesting it. Only provide the information to trusted healthcare providers and those whom you initiate contact. 
• Verify before you trust. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, hang up and call the official Medicare number (1-800-MEDICARE) to confirm the legitimacy of the contact. 
• Stay informed. Regularly review your Medicare statements for any unauthorized services or items. Report discrepancies immediately to Medicare to prevent further fraudulent activity.

These measures can shield you against Medicare scams, safeguarding your benefits and personal information from people who would exploit them. 

What if I Suspect a Medicare Scam?

If you believe you've encountered a Medicare scam, you should:

• Document everything. Think about every interaction you had with the suspected scammer. Write down everything you remember, including dates, times, names used, and any other relevant information that could help with an investigation.
• Report the incident. Immediately contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Fraud Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS. Providing information about suspected scams can help authorities put a stop to fraudulent activities.
• Seek local assistance. Your local Senior Medicare Patrol can provide guidance and support if you suspect a scammer has targeted you. These organizations offer free counseling and can help you understand your rights and options.
• Monitor your accounts. Review your Medicare statements for any unusual activity. Early detection can help reduce potential damage. Set up alerts on your financial accounts to quickly identify any suspicious transactions.

Taking swift action when you suspect a scam protects you and contributes to the broader fight against Medicare scams. For more information about your Medicare benefits, visit medicare.gov.