Officials Warn That Open Enrollment Season Brings a Wave of Medicare Scams
State officials, including the Iowa Insurance Division, are warning that open enrollment season draws scammers who target Medicare numbers. Medicare does make some limited legitimate contacts, but it will not call out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number or payment, so verify any contact through 1-800-MEDICARE or Medicare.gov before sharing anything.
State officials across the country are warning older adults that open enrollment season is also a busy season for scammers. The Iowa Insurance Division issued a fresh alert on November 4, and officials in several other states have put out similar warnings as people shop for 2027 coverage.
The money at stake is large. The Iowa Insurance Division points to a federal estimate that about $60 billion is lost to Medicare fraud every year. Criminals steal Medicare numbers and bill the program for care that was never given, which drives up costs for everyone.
The warning lists several tricks to watch for. One is a call or text claiming you need a new Medicare card, perhaps a plastic or chip card. Medicare cards do not expire and are not replaced that way. Another is a threat that your coverage will be canceled unless you hand over personal details. A third is the promise of a cash card, free equipment, or a coverage upgrade in return for your Medicare number.
The advice is simple. Guard your Medicare number the way you would guard a credit card, and never give it to someone who contacts you without being asked. Do not click links in text messages or emails that claim to come from Medicare. If you get a questionable call, hang up and check directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or on the official site, Medicare.gov. Phone screening tools that block unknown callers can also help.
Officials note that Medicare does reach out in some limited ways, such as surveys about your experience with the program, but it will not call out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number, bank details, or a payment. No honest agent is allowed to claim they are from Medicare or endorsed by it. If someone wants money to find you the best plan, treat that as a clear warning sign.
Anyone who suspects fraud can report it to the Senior Medicare Patrol, a free service that helps people check suspicious claims. In Iowa the number is 1-800-351-4664, and every state has its own local contact.
Go Deeper
Does Medicare call people without being asked?
Only in limited ways, such as satisfaction surveys. Medicare will not call out of the blue to ask for your Medicare number, bank details, or payment, so verify any such call before sharing anything.
Do Medicare cards expire or need replacing?
No. Cards do not expire, so a call about a new plastic or chip card is a red flag.
How much is lost to Medicare fraud each year?
A federal estimate cited by Iowa officials puts it at about $60 billion a year.
What should I do with an unsolicited Medicare call?
Hang up and verify directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or Medicare.gov, and never share your Medicare number.
Where do I report suspected fraud?
To the Senior Medicare Patrol, a free service; in Iowa the number is 1-800-351-4664, and every state has a local contact.
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