Medicare Open Enrollment Leads to Increased Senior Scamming

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Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment and Avoiding Scams

Each year, the Medicare Open Enrollment period, running from October 15 to December 7, presents a critical opportunity for seniors to review and adjust their health coverage. It’s a time to make important decisions about Traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans. Unfortunately, this period of complex choices also brings a significant increase in sophisticated scams designed to target seniors.

A Time of Opportunity and Risk

During Open Enrollment, you have the flexibility to switch between plans to find the coverage that best suits your health needs and budget. However, this complexity is exactly what criminals exploit. Scammers know that seniors are actively seeking information and may be confused by the options, making them more vulnerable to deceptive tactics.

Common Scams to Watch For

Scammers often pose as representatives from Medicare, the Social Security Administration, or an insurance company. Their goal is to steal your personal information, banking details, or Medicare number to commit fraud. Be wary of:

  • Unsolicited Phone Calls: Scammers may call claiming they need to “verify” your information to send you a new Medicare card or that you are owed a refund. On your caller ID, they can even make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate government agency.
  • High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Callers may create a false sense of urgency, telling you that you must enroll in a “better” plan immediately or risk losing your coverage.
  • Bogus “Free” Offers: Be suspicious of anyone offering free medical supplies or services in exchange for your Medicare number.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The most powerful defense against scams is a healthy dose of skepticism and a clear set of rules for handling your personal information.

  • Never Give Information to Unsolicited Callers: Government agencies like Medicare will never call you to ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, or Medicare number. Hang up immediately.
  • Guard Your Medicare Number: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Only give it to your doctor, pharmacist, or other trusted healthcare providers.
  • Use Official Resources: For trusted, unbiased help, contact North Carolina’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) or visit the official Medicare website at Medicare.gov.
  • Discuss Your Decisions: Talk through your options with a trusted family member or advisor before making any changes to your coverage.

Connecting Your Choices to Your Long-Term Plan

Your Medicare decisions are the first step in a much larger financial strategy. The coverage you choose directly impacts your out-of-pocket costs, which is a critical part of your overall financial and life plan. Understanding these costs is essential when considering your long-term care needs and how programs like Medicaid can help pay for care when Medicare is not enough. A thoughtful approach ensures your healthcare choices align with your broader asset protection and estate planning goals.

Call our office at (919) 256-7000 to schedule a consultation.