Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning Iowans to be aware of Medicare scams as open enrollment begins on Thursday, October 15th.
“Open enrollment season for Iowans means it’s scam season for criminals,” said Attorney General Brenna Bird. “If you or someone you love is on Medicare, please be very careful of Medicare scams. If someone is calling you about Medicare, it’s almost definitely a scam because Medicare does not initiate calls to people directly. Scammers will prey on older Iowans to steal their Medicare numbers and other personal information so they can commit fraud that can harm an innocent Iowan’s good name. If you believe you are being scammed, please hang up and contact my office.”
Some Medicare Scam Red Flags to Watch For:
Unsolicited Calls or Texts: Remember, Medicare will not initiate a call or text message chain with you. Hang up, don’t answer the text, and never click on any links in a text.
False deadline: By law, Open Enrollment for Medicare is from October 15-December 7th. If a caller invents an earlier deadline than December 7th, it’s a scam.
New Card: If a caller claims to be sending you a new card and just needs to “check” your number first, it’s a scam. Free card replacements come by mail after a request through your Medicare online account or through 1-800-MEDICARE. Nobody calls you to “confirm” the number first.
Free tests or medical devices: If a caller offers you free genetic screening for cancer that involves a cheek swab or any other free medical device, it’s a scam.
Official phone calls: If someone calls claiming to be an officer with a Medicare Fraud Unit about your card or number being used, it’s a scam. No real federal officer calls to demand your number or a payment to “clear” your file.
Switch with no changes: If a caller claims you can switch your plan and promises everything stays the same, it’s a scam. Any plan switch during Open Enrollment can change your network, drug coverage, or out-of-pocket ceiling.
Remember, Medicare and those offering Medicare coverage (e.g., private insurers offering Medicare Advantage Plans) will not initiate a call with you. Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans never call to ask for your Medicare number, bank account, or a payment to keep your coverage. If a caller pressures you during open enrollment, hang up, and contact the Attorney General’s office at 515-281-5926, consumer@ag.iowa.gov, or through the website at iowaattorneygeneral.gov. You can also report any suspicious call or scam directly to Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
You can find answers to open enrollment questions here.
