Con artists continually develop new ways to deceive people, often targeting older adults who may be more trusting and unaware of the latest scams. The Medicare Open Enrollment period, unfortunately, is a peak time when these scammers strike, attempting to get personal and financial information from seniors. Here are some of the most common tactics used against Medicare beneficiaries and tips to stay safe.
Common Medicare Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake Medicare Representatives
Scammers may call or visit seniors pretending to be “official Medicare agents” selling insurance that promises significant savings if purchased during Open Enrollment. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not employ any Medicare sales representatives. CMS will only reach out directly if:
- You’re a member of a specific Medicare health or drug plan, in which case your plan representative may contact you.
- You’ve requested a call from 1-800-MEDICARE or left a message.
Unsolicited calls or visits are illegal and should be reported to the authorities if someone tries to sell you Medicare products without prior contact. Legitimate insurance brokers do exist, but remember, they may only offer plans from specific carriers and work on commission.
2. Threatening Loss of Coverage
This scam involves a caller claiming that if the senior doesn’t buy a specific Medicare Part D plan, they will lose their Medicare benefits. This is false. Medicare prescription drug coverage is optional, and a lack of it won’t result in any benefit losses. Be wary of any caller pushing unnecessary plans to “protect” your benefits.
3. Fake Rebate Offers
In this scheme, a scammer informs the senior that they qualify for a Medicare rebate, but they must provide sensitive information like their Social Security or Medicare number. Remember, Medicare will never request personal information over the phone. Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers as carefully as you would a credit card.
4. Phony Sales Materials
Scammers may send out realistic-looking Medicare brochures and materials to lure seniors into providing personal or payment information. Be skeptical of any materials that look government-issued but were not directly requested. If you’re interested in Medicare plans, contact Medicare directly or use Medicare’s official Plan Compare Tool.
5. Aggressive Sales Tactics by Legitimate Agents
Even licensed agents may use aggressive tactics to push seniors into purchasing plans during enrollment. They are prohibited from marketing non-health-related products, promoting at medical facilities, or pushing additional services during Medicare discussions. If you experience this, report it to 1-800-MEDICARE and your state’s department of insurance.
Get Guided Help Through Medicare Open Enrollment
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment can be complex, especially with the risk of scams and overwhelming plan options. LifeSpan Care Management provides expert guidance to help you make informed, confident decisions about your Medicare coverage. By carefully evaluating your health needs and budget, LifeSpan’s professionals ensure you select the most appropriate Medicare plan for the coming year.
In addition to enrollment support, LifeSpan creates a personalized care management plan designed to address both your immediate and long-term health needs. This proactive approach helps prevent unexpected health costs and ensures continuity of care, especially if your medical or financial situation changes over time. With LifeSpan Care Management by your side, you have an advocate dedicated to optimizing your healthcare coverage and securing the resources you need for a safe, healthy future.
Staying Safe During Open Enrollment
The safest way to explore your Medicare options is to go directly through CMS. For free assistance comparing plans, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). They provide unbiased support to help you make informed decisions without the risk of fraud.