Greg's Corner

The Medicare Scam That’s Hiding Behind Open Enrollment

By Greg Collier

Medicare open enrollment is a chance for beneficiaries to review their health coverage, compare plans, and decide whether to make changes for the coming year. Unfortunately, it is also prime time for scammers looking to exploit confusion, promise fake benefits, and steal sensitive personal information.

Starting October 15, Medicare beneficiaries may find themselves fielding calls and texts from people claiming to represent Medicare, insurance companies, or government assistance programs. Some callers may promise better coverage, lower premiums, a replacement Medicare card, or free medical equipment. Others may warn that benefits are about to expire unless the recipient acts immediately.

These pitches can sound convincing, especially when they arrive during a legitimate enrollment period. But as experts warn, a call about Medicare is not necessarily a call from Medicare.

Scammers Know Exactly When to Strike

The Better Business Bureau is already hearing from people receiving suspicious calls ahead of open enrollment, according to a report from WAFF. Karen Reeves of the BBB warned that callers may use the enrollment period to push supposed coverage upgrades, new cards, and free medical equipment.

This timing is no accident. Scammers pay attention to the news and the calendar, looking for moments when people are likely to expect official communications or feel pressure to make a decision.

Medicare open enrollment provides the perfect cover. Beneficiaries know that plan options can change and that they have a limited window to review their coverage. A scammer can exploit that awareness by pretending to offer help with a deadline, a new benefit, or a problem with an existing plan.

The Federal Trade Commission has also warned that scammers become more active around Medicare open enrollment, impersonating government agencies or insurance representatives to obtain personal and financial information. Its guidance on avoiding Medicare open enrollment scams explains how these pitches work and what consumers can do to protect themselves.

The lesson is simple: scammers do not need to invent a fake event when a real one gives them a believable excuse to call.

The “New Medicare Card” Trick

One common tactic involves a caller claiming that a beneficiary needs a new, updated, or upgraded Medicare card. The caller may say the card is required to maintain coverage, access new benefits, or qualify for a special program.

The supposed representative then asks the beneficiary to verify a Medicare number, Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal details. In some cases, the caller may also request bank account or credit card information.

The story is a setup to collect information that can be used for identity theft or fraudulent medical claims.

According to the FTC’s guidance on government impersonation scams, legitimate Medicare cards are issued automatically and are free. You do not need to pay a caller to receive one.

If an unexpected caller says your card is outdated or that you must provide sensitive information to keep your benefits, do not play along. Hang up and verify the claim independently.

Free Medical Equipment May Come With a Hidden Cost

Another tempting pitch involves supposedly free medical supplies or equipment. A caller may offer back braces, knee braces, or other products at no cost to the beneficiary.

The offer might sound like a generous benefit, but scammers can use a Medicare number to submit fraudulent claims for equipment that was never medically necessary, never ordered, or never delivered.

That can create problems beyond the initial theft of personal information. Fraudulent claims may appear on Medicare records, consume benefits, and make it harder to spot legitimate billing problems.

The FTC has previously warned about medical equipment scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries. If you need medical equipment, discuss it with your healthcare provider rather than accepting an unsolicited offer from a stranger.

Remember that a caller’s promise of “free” equipment does not make the offer legitimate. The scammer may be interested in your Medicare information, not your medical needs.

Fake Text Messages Can Be Just as Dangerous

Not every scammer picks up the phone. AARP warns that people may also receive text messages seeking Medicare, Social Security, or bank account information.

These messages may claim that an account needs verification, a benefit is waiting, or an enrollment issue must be resolved. A link may lead to a fake website designed to look like an official government service or insurance portal.

Once a victim enters personal information, scammers can use it for identity theft, account fraud, or bogus medical claims.

Treat unexpected texts about Medicare with the same suspicion as unsolicited calls. Do not click links or reply with sensitive information. Instead, visit the official Medicare website by typing Medicare.gov into your browser, or call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Be skeptical even if the message includes your name or other accurate details. Information that makes a message look personal does not prove the sender is legitimate.

The Scam Can Continue Long After the Call

Some Medicare fraud does not become obvious until much later.

If scammers obtain a beneficiary’s Medicare number, they may attempt to bill Medicare for services or equipment the person never received. That means someone who hands over information during a brief phone call may discover the consequences weeks or months later.

Reeves urged beneficiaries to review their Medicare statements carefully and question charges for services they did not receive.

Make a habit of checking your Medicare Summary Notice or other relevant plan statements. Look for unfamiliar providers, equipment you never ordered, duplicate charges, or services you do not remember receiving.

If something looks wrong, contact your healthcare provider or plan to ask about the charge. You can also contact Medicare or your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help identifying and reporting suspected fraud.

The FTC’s Medicare fraud guidance explains how fraudulent billing and medical identity theft can affect beneficiaries.

You Do Not Have to Change Plans Just Because Enrollment Opens

Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.

Beneficiaries can review their current coverage, compare available options, and decide whether a different plan better suits their needs. But the beginning of open enrollment does not mean everyone must change plans.

The official Medicare open enrollment page explains what changes are available and how the process works.

If you want help comparing plans, use Medicare’s official resources or seek assistance from a trusted, independent counselor. Beneficiaries in most states can find local assistance through their own stae’s program.

Do not let a caller manufacture urgency by claiming you must enroll immediately, switch plans to keep your benefits, or provide personal information before a deadline. Verify any claim through an official channel before making a decision.

Red Flags

Be especially cautious if an unexpected caller or text message:

• Claims you must get a new Medicare card and asks for payment or personal information.
• Promises free medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number.
• Requests your Social Security number, bank details, or Medicare information without you initiating contact.
• Threatens to cancel your benefits unless you act immediately.
• Pressures you to switch plans or claims you will lose benefits if you do not enroll through them.
• Directs you to an unfamiliar website or asks you to click a link to verify your identity.

Caller ID is not proof of authenticity. Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make a call appear to come from a government office or legitimate organization.

Medicare does not unexpectedly call or text to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account details. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact Medicare yourself using its published number.

Protect Your Information Before the Scammers Get It

If you have already shared information with a suspicious caller, do not assume nothing will happen. Contact Medicare and your health plan to report the incident and ask what steps to take. If you provided financial account information, contact your bank. If you suspect identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery guidance.

You can also report suspected fraud to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Medicare open enrollment is an important opportunity to make informed decisions about your healthcare. It should not become an opportunity for criminals to take control of your identity.

Scammers know when enrollment begins. They know which promises sound appealing, which deadlines create anxiety, and which questions can persuade someone to reveal sensitive information. They are counting on people to trust a convincing story before checking whether it is true.

Don’t give them that chance. Review your coverage on your own terms, verify unexpected claims directly with Medicare, and never hand over personal information simply because a caller says it is necessary.

When it comes to Medicare, the safest rule is to make the call yourself.