Medicare Open Enrollment Scams and How to Avoid Them

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. It's a good time to review your coverage. It's also a busy season for scammers.

They know millions of people are thinking about Medicare right now. So they call, text, and email pretending to help.

How the scam works

The phone rings. The caller says they're from Medicare. They sound friendly and professional. Sometimes they already know your name and address.

They might say you need a new Medicare card. They might offer free equipment, a gift, or a better plan. Then they ask you to confirm your Medicare number.

That number is what they want. With it, they can bill Medicare in your name for services you never got. That can cause problems with your real coverage later.

What Medicare will not do

Medicare will not call you out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number. They won't ask for your Social Security number or bank information over the phone. They won't threaten to cancel your benefits if you don't act today. They won't offer you gifts for signing up.

If a caller does any of these things, hang up. It's fine to be rude to a scammer.

What to do instead

If you want to review your plan, make the call yourself. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, the number on the back of your card. Or visit Medicare.gov.

Florida also has a free program called SHINE. Trained volunteers help seniors compare plans with no sales pitch. It's a great option if you want a real person to talk to.

Treat your Medicare card like a credit card. Keep it private. Only share the number with your doctor, your pharmacy, or a plan you chose.

If you already gave out your number

Don't panic. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened. Then watch your Medicare Summary Notices closely. Look for any service or equipment you don't recognize.