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The Top 3 Most Common Medicare Scams
The annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, allows U.S. adults already on Medicare to evaluate their current coverage and make changes to their Original Medicare enrollment, Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or private Medicare Advantage plan. As people look for information about the best plan for them, con artists are ready to swoop in, pretending to be helpful while trying to steal Medicare beneficiaries’ personal details, financial information and hard-earned savings. Protect yourself by learning how to identify and avoid some of the most prevalent Medicare open enrollment-related scams.
1. Visitors Who Say, “I’m From Medicare and I’m Here to Help You”
Beware of anyone who shows up at your home offering you free services or asking for your Medicare information. There are no Medicare representatives, and Medicare never cold calls. Additionally, watch out for people who promise you a gift for enrolling in a certain plan, as that’s illegal.
2. Unsolicited Calls, Supposedly From Medicare
If someone calls you out of the blue claiming to represent Medicare or a company that works with Medicare - hang up. Medicare NEVER calls people unexpectedly to ask for your Medicare number or financial information. Even if it looks like the call is coming from a Medicare office, don’t be fooled. Scammers can fake the number that shows up on your caller ID.
3. Medicare Card Replacements
In these Medicare scam calls, someone claiming to be from Medicare, the Social Security Administration, or your state’s insurance department insists you need to get a new Medicare card or replace a paper card with a plastic chip card. This Medicare card scam dates back to 2018 and 2019 when Medicare sent beneficiaries new cards with randomly generated ID numbers meant to better protect against identity theft.
Other twists on this scam exist as well. AARP reports Medicare impostors might ask for your new, randomly generated ID number to confirm that you received your card or to “activate” it. A scammer may also tell you your new card won’t work because it isn’t the correct one, offering to send you a replacement card if you give them your personal information.
How to Protect Yourself From Medicare Scams
No Sharing
No Pressure
No Pressure
Don’t share your personal information. Don't give your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card, or Social Security Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Avoid answering emails from people or companies you don’t know, and don’t speak with telemarketers.
No Pressure
No Pressure
No Pressure
Ignore pressure tactics or threats to take away your benefits. If you qualify for benefits, you won’t lose them just because you fail to sign up for a plan.
No Gifts
No Pressure
No Freebies
Say no to gifts. It's prohibited by law for anyone to offer you meals or other gifts in exchange for signing up for a Medicare plan.
No Freebies
Check Statements
No Freebies
Refuse offers of freebies “paid for by Medicare.” Scammers sometimes offer free medical equipment (such as a knee brace) as a way to get your Medicare information. You may receive a low-quality device or nothing at all, but the scammers then have what they need to steal your identity.
Check Statements
Check Statements
Check Statements
Keep an eye on your benefit statements. Look for anything Medicare paid for that seems incorrect or suspicious, such as supplies you didn’t receive, services you didn’t request or double charges.
Guard Your Card
Check Statements
Check Statements
Protect your Medicare Number and your Social Security Number. Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.