What is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare's Open Enrollment period runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. During this time, you can adjust your healthcare plans and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. Changes made during this open enrollment period go into effect on January 1st. To find out more information about Medicare plans or compare plans head to Medicare.gov.
Types of Open Enrollment Scams
- Phishing: Scammers often pose as Medicare or healthcare representatives and send you emails or texts with links asking you to provide personal information. These phishing scams are designed to steal your identity and can lead to fraudulent activity.
- Fake Medicare Plan: Fraudsters may contact you with a fake offer for a new Medicare or health insurance plan. They'll promise amazing benefits, but only if you provide your personal details, including your Medicare number.
- Caller ID Spoofing: A scammer will change caller ID information to hide their identity, often using area codes close to you. If you answer their call, they follow a convincing script. They impersonate Medicare agents, offering to help with enrollment or threatening to cancel your coverage unless you give them personal information.
- Identity Theft: Fraudsters may steal your Medicare number to submit fake claims, leaving you with fraudulent bills or denied services when you actually need care.
How To Protect Yourself From Medicare Scam Calls
- Guard your Medicare Number: Never share your Medicare number or personal information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Medicare won’t call you out of the blue asking for your number. Only provide this information to trusted healthcare providers.
- Monitor Your Medicare Statements: Check your statements often to ensure that there are no fraudulent charges. Call your provider if you think a charge is incorrect, they may be able to help you understand the bill. If there are fraudulent charges - report them immediately!
What To Do if You Receive a Medicare Scam Message?
- Before you share any sort of information, take a second to think about the source. Do they seem legitimate? Does it seem like they care more about getting your information than about you? Are they pressuring you to “act now”? If the answer is yes, don’t respond!
- Research the person or company who messaged you. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE immediately if you have any questions.
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Spread the word and tell your friends so they don’t fall victim to the scams.
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