Learn more
Avoid scams during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, from the Federal Trade Commission
Older Americans and Medicare Call Scams, from the Federal Communications Commission
Protect yourself from medical identity theft, from Medicare.gov
Beware Three Medicare Open Enrollment Scams, from Kiplinger
By Joel Dresang
It’s open enrollment season for Medicare, when Americans 65 and older scrutinize health insurance choices for next year. It’s also when fraudsters target that group.
“As you compare your coverage options, keep an eye out for scammers — they know about Open Enrollment, too,” cautions a bulletin from the Federal Trade Commission.
Medicare beneficiaries seeking changes in their plans for 2025 have from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 to switch coverage. But while they’re comparing details to find fuller treatment at lower costs, swindlers are scheming to take their money and steal their identities.
Older Americans are more likely to engage in phone conversations and more prone to cognitive lapses. That’s why scamsters find them more vulnerable to efforts to steal their money and personal information. They seize Medicare open enrollment as an opportunity.
Kiplinger personal finance recently reported on common scams aimed at Medicare shoppers, including impostor Medicare agents calling to offer assistance or to replace the beneficiary’s Medicare card. Some call with bogus offers for supplemental Medicare coverage – including low costs or gifts.
Advice:
- Do not divulge personal information to any uninvited caller. That includes your numbers for Medicare, Social Security, credit card and bank accounts.
- Do not trust uninvited callers. Don’t believe your caller ID, which spammers can spoof. Medicare contacts you only in response to your inquiries. And if you don’t remember calling, say so. Then hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify.
- Do not click links sent to you. Go directly to Medicare.gov. (The site shows it’s official in the upper left corner.)
For free health insurance counseling, consider State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, which are government-funded and not connected to any insurance companies or health plans.
Joel Dresang is vice president-communications at Landaas & Company, LLC.
(Heads Up is an occasional alert on consumer and investment scams.)