This Medicare Open Enrollment season, learn how to protect yourself from scams

Every year, scammers get more active around Medicare Open Enrollment Period, trying to get your money, information, or both. As you consider your health coverage and prescription options during this period (October 15-December 7), learn to spot the scams.

First, know that scammers often impersonate Medicare and contact you unexpectedly. They might sound professional and even have some of your personal information. They’ll say you need a “new” or “updated” Medicare card and ask for your Medicare, bank account, or credit card number. But real Medicare cards are free and mailed to you automatically. And true Medicare representatives won’t call, text, or email you out of the blue to ask for your numbers or a payment.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from Medicare scams during Open Enrollment — and year-round:

• Ignore unexpected calls from anyone who demands you share Medicare, personal, or financial information. Medicare will only ask you to verify information if you contact them first, and they won’t try to sell you anything or tell you to pay for your Medicare card. Only scammers do that.
• Don’t rely on your caller ID. It might show Medicare’s name or phone number, but caller ID can be faked. To check it out, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
• Get help to compare costs, coverage, and plans. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for assistance. And find information about your coverage options at Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government site for Medicare — or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Report Medicare impersonators and other Medicare scams at 1-800-MEDICARE. Then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For additional help to prevent, detect, and report potential Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse, contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol.