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Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

October 15, 2019

Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

Medicare recipients may change their Medicare health and prescription drug plans during the yearly Open Enrollment period from October 15- December 7. Scam artists also typically seek to prey on Medicare recipients during this time. Know what to watch for to avoid falling victim to these scams.

A common scam is a caller offering you a special discount on your Medicare plan. The fraudster claims that you could save a lot of money, but only if you “act now.” The caller then pressures you for your Medicare number and bank information to sign you up for this “great deal.” Do NOT give this information to anyone who calls you on the phone!

Protect yourself by knowing the following strict guidelines set by Medicare.

Medicare plans may NOT:

  • Sell Medicare coverage door-to-door or leave leaflets, flyers, or door hangers at your home.
  • Call you unless you have given them permission (in writing on in recorded phone conversation).
  • Conduct marketing events in your doctor’s office, at the pharmacy counter, or in other places that deliver healthcare services.
  • Make you meet face-to-face with a plan representative or have you undergo a health screening in order to receive coverage.
  • Require you to provide you email address or other contact information, Medicare number, or Social Security number at a marketing event.

Medicare plans MAY:

  • Call you IF you are already enrolled in a plan to discuss options.
  • Call you IF you expressly give them permission by taking a business card or contact card.
  • Conduct marketing/ sales events with prior permission in common areas of healthcare settings.

If you encounter any of these rules being proken, please report the plan to CMS at 1-877-772-3379.

If you have questions about Medicare fraud, you can contact the Arkansas SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) at 1-866-726-2916.

REMEMBER: Never give your Medicare number or bank account information to anyone who contacts you over the phone.