Stay Alert During Medicare Enrollment: Avoid Scams
If you or a family member are considering changes to your Medicare or Healthcare.gov coverage during open enrollment, be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, and texts offering help to find the best plan. Scammers often exploit this time to trick individuals into sharing personal and financial information.
Open Enrollment Periods
- Medicare: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
- Medicare Advantage: Jan. 1 – March 31 (or within three months of receiving Medicare)
- Healthcare.gov:
- Open Enrollment Begins: Nov. 1
- Last day to enroll/change plans for Jan. 1 coverage: Dec. 15
- Last day for Feb. 1 coverage: Jan. 15
Reports indicate that scammers often use manipulated caller IDs to pose as Medicare or related agencies. Many report receiving threats over robocalls, demanding health insurance purchases or threatening fines.
Common Scams
- Expired Benefits Texts: Individuals may receive texts stating that health benefits are about to expire, prompting them to call for renewals.
- Imposter Calls: Scammers may ask for personal details, claiming to check if a new Medicare card was issued.
Tips to Avoid Scams
- Don’t Trust Unsolicited Contacts: Proactively reach out to known, authorized agents.
- Be Skeptical of “Free” Offers: Avoid signing up with brokers who offer expensive sign-up gifts for personal information.
- Protect Your Information: Never share sensitive information like your Medicare ID or Social Security number with unknown contacts.
- Verify Broker Licensing: Check with your state’s Department of Insurance to ensure brokers are licensed.
- Research with BBB: Visit bbb.org to check company credentials.
- Use Official Websites: Make changes directly through Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov. Avoid clicking suspicious links.
- Confirm with Employers: Verify any unexpected emails regarding benefits directly with your employer.
Reporting Scams
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam or have shared your personal information, report it. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE or the Health Insurance Marketplace at 800-318-2596. Sharing experiences can help others avoid similar scams.
Upcoming Events
Join us for our next Shred Day on Saturday, April 10, to safely dispose of documents! For details, visit bbb.org/Chattanooga or call 423-266-6144.
It’s essential to stay informed and vigilant, especially during enrollment periods. Protect yourself against potential scams!
