Medicare scams 2026: how to spot Medicare open enrollment scams
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026. Scammers know it too.
During open enrollment, Medicare scam texts, emails and calls go up. Scammers pretend to be Medicare, or a plan, to get your Medicare number, money or personal details. Here is how to spot them, in plain words.
Common Medicare scam text and call lines
These are examples of what scammers say. If you see words like these, stop.
"Your new Medicare card is ready. Confirm your Medicare number to receive it."
Medicare does not ask you to confirm your number to get a card.
"Your benefits are pending. Verify your account today or lose coverage."
A deadline plus a link is a classic trick. Threats to cancel benefits are a warning sign.
"Get your Part B giveback / extra allowance. Call now."
Real program names are used to sound official. These are often sales calls or worse.
"Medicare may pay for a free scooter, back brace or hearing aids."
Free equipment offers are often used to bill Medicare for things you never needed.
"I'm calling from Medicare to help you pick a better plan."
Medicare will never call you to sell you anything.
"Your 2027 Medicare survey is due today."
Fake surveys with made-up deadlines are bait to get your details.
What Medicare will never do
Medicare will never:
- Call you to sell you anything, or visit you at home.
- Ask for your Medicare, Social Security or bank account number in a call, text or email you did not expect.
- Threaten to cancel your benefits if you do not act now.
- Ask you to pay for your Medicare card.
Caller ID can be faked, so a call that “looks like” Medicare may not be.
Watch out for fake search results
The FTC warns that some scammers and dishonest businesses pay to appear at the top of search results, with look-alike web addresses and logos. Type Medicare.gov yourself, skip results marked “Ad” or “Sponsored,” and look for the .gov ending.
If you were targeted
- Stop. Hang up, do not reply, and do not tap links.
- Call Medicare yourself: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
- Get free help from your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): 1-877-808-2468, or visit smpresource.org.
- If you gave out your Medicare number, tell 1-800-MEDICARE and check your Medicare statements for services you did not get.
- If you gave bank or card details, call your bank using the number on your card.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Free tools to practice and check
- Scam Text and Email Checker: paste a Medicare scam text and see the warning signs.
- Link Checker: see the real website name behind a link.
- Scam or Real? quiz: practice spotting scams.
Get one simple safety tip a day
Free, plain-language tips to avoid scams. Unsubscribe anytime.
Questions people ask
When is Medicare Open Enrollment in 2026?
October 15 to December 7, 2026. Changes start January 1, 2027. Your plan must get your request by December 7.
Will Medicare call or text me?
Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at home. Do not share your Medicare number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
How do I report a Medicare scam?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048). For free one-on-one help, contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-877-808-2468. You can also report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Is a Medicare scam text dangerous if I did not click?
Usually not. Do not reply or tap the link. Delete it, or forward it to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your phone carrier.
How can I safely compare Medicare plans?
Type Medicare.gov into your browser yourself and skip paid "Sponsored" search results, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also gives free help.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Open Enrollment (Oct 15 to Dec 7)
- Medicare.gov: Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
- Medicare.gov: Medicare and the Marketplace ("Say no to scams")
- FTC: What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams (Sept 28, 2026)
- Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Resource Center
- Report a scam to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Last updated: October 16, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice.