Watch Out For Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

It’s open enrollment season, which also means it’s Medicare fraud season. Eligible beneficiaries have from Oct. 15–Dec. 7 to shop around and make changes to their Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans. Unfortunately, some of the deals offered won’t be deals at all.

Just like in other years, Medicare scams spike during open enrollment season, with criminals posing as insurance providers calling and emailing about free gifts or limited-time offers. These scams are all designed to steal your money, Medicare information or your identity.

Be suspicious and don’t share sensitive personal information with anyone who calls, emails or visits you out of the blue promoting a Medicare plan. Legitimate Medicare plans can only contact you if you’ve requested information or if you have an existing relationship with them.

Beneficiaries can safely compare legitimate plans and change enrollment by going to medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Learn more about the AARP Fraud Watch Network.