Medicare fraud spikes during open enrollment. Here's how to protect yourself.

By Alessandra Malito

The annual marketing blitz puts beneficiaries at a higher risk of falling victim to scams

Scammers often target Medicare beneficiaries during open-enrollment season.

Medicare's open-enrollment period is a time for beneficiaries to make important healthcare decisions, but the annual marketing blitz can put them at a higher risk of falling victim to scams.

Open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, is the period when beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare plans, including by adding, dropping or changing coverage options. This period usually involves sifting through current plan coverage and thinking about any changes expected in the coming year, and comparing all that with the plans on the market. Beneficiaries may see more advertisements on TV or in the mail regarding Medicare or Medicare Advantage. They may also get calls and texts about their healthcare options.

Some of the unsolicited messages they get about open enrollment could be legitimate - but some might not be, experts warn.

"This is the time of year where the traffic for people who have been contacted and contacting others in regards to Medicare is higher than normal," said Ryan Ramsey, associate director of health coverage and benefits at the National Council on Aging. "People need to be a little bit more vigilant than they usually are."

Healthcare is a hot target for fraudsters. During its 2025 National Healthcare Fraud Takedown, the Department of Justice announced that 324 defendants across the country were facing criminal charges for alleged participation in healthcare fraud, including scams involving Medicare payments. Those criminal activities added up to more than $14.6 billion in intended loss, the DOJ said.

Scammers may use many common tactics to steal individuals' identifying information - or even their voices - so they can then get into bank or other sensitive accounts. Insurance scams were at the top of the list of robocall complaints, the Federal Communications Commission said, and although they happen year-round, they tend to spike during open-enrollment season.

"Common insurance scam tactics include calls or texts pretending to be from government entities or insurance providers and often offer free health screenings or gifts," the FCC said. "Don't be fooled. These imposters are trying to steal your personally identifiable information, your money, or both."

Here are four ways to be safe this Medicare open-enrollment season.

1. Don't be afraid to call back

Beneficiaries may be swamped with calls from alleged consultants and healthcare companies trying to sway them to opt in to a specific plan. In the case of an unsolicited call, it's always best to say you'll call back, then independently verify the contact information. One way is to search the company name on the internet and contact it using the phone number from a legitimate website. State Health Insurance Assistance programs, or SHIPs, can also help verify companies and their contact information, Ramsey said.

Never rely on caller ID alone, the Federal Trade Commission warned. "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," the agency said.

2. Don't rush into a decision

Even when coverage options are legitimate, it's best not to rush into any decisions. Carefully compare options, including against the health insurance you already have, and consider any preferred doctors, medical facilities and prescriptions you may have, as well as procedures that you expect to have to pay for next year.

Also, be aware that certain organizations will never call you to persuade you to sign up for a plan - especially not those that are part of the federal government. "If you're talking to something like the Medicare office or Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or the Social Security Administration, they are not going to call you out of the blue and demand things from you," Ramsey said.

3. Don't share personal information until you're sure

Robocalls will be prevalent this season, and scammers have gotten very good at using technology to their advantage, Ramsey said. "Right now, the more common thing is people posing as particular plans," he said. "They're going to get you on the phone, promise you benefits and different things and pressure you to give information that may not be necessary to sign up for a plan, to get as much information as possible."

Be suspicious of robocalls, which may be phone calls that start with silence or a prerecorded message. Scammers may record the individual's voice, such as when the person says hello or provides a name and personal information, to use later on.

If you think you've already been the victim of this sort of call, contact your State Medicare Patrol, where you can report fraud and abuse. SMPs also help beneficiaries detect scams and prevent fraud from happening.

4. Stay on top of scams

Along with federal resources, AARP offers a Fraud Watch Network, a free service that helps beneficiaries spot scams and get guidance if they've been targeted. The Fraud Resource Center has tip sheets on recognizing and avoiding scams, as well as a map that allows users to see or report scams in their areas.

Beneficiaries can also refer to Medicare.gov or State Medicare Patrol offices for official news and guidance on scams.

-Alessandra Malito

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11-10-25 1509ET