Medicare Open Enrollment is Almost Here – Watch for Enrollment Fraud!

new Medicare card

Between Oct 15 – Dec 7, you can make changes to your health coverage.

Yet, navigating so many plans and choices is confusing and creates a ripe environment for fraud.

For free, unbiased Medicare information and assistance, call your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-434-0222.

Medicare Open Enrollment is Almost Here – Watch for Enrollment Scams!

Novella for handy tips on how to stay safe.
PDFs are Available in English and Spanish.

Medicare Marketing Scams Novella

Tips to Protect You and Loved Ones from Scams

Don’t believe a salesperson who claims to be a Medicare representative. Medicare does not send “representatives” to solicit your business.

Federal regulations prohibit unsolicited telephone calls, door- to-door visits, emails and other forms of sales without your permission. If you have not requested that someone contact you, it may be a scam.

Never give out personal information such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or credit card information over the telephone. Verify that the person you are dealing with has proper authority to act on behalf of the plan before you provide your Medicare number.

Write down the name of the person you speak with and the information that you provide to that person.

Cross-selling occurs when a salesperson approaches you for one purpose but then tries to sell you something else. This could lead to an unplanned purchase of a product that may not be in your best interest. Salespeople may not market health care–related products (such as annuities, life insurance, etc.) during a Medicare Advantage or Part D sales activity.

Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. Be sure that you understand the details of a plan before you enroll. Verify copayment amounts and whether your medical providers participate in the plan that you are considering.

If you are satisfied that your current plan will meet your needs for the coming year, you don’t need to change plans. Confirm the details of your current plan before making a switch.

Avoid Medicare Scams & Fraud

If you come across any scams, report them to our California Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-855-613-7080. Make sure you talk with your health care provider before making changes as well.

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This webpage and associated linked pages are supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0019-04-00  from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.