Fighting Fraud
By BBB Cleveland
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment doesn’t have to feel like decoding a secret message. Every year, millions of seniors review their healthcare options to ensure their coverage aligns with their changing health needs and budget.
As your trusted source for consumer protection, BBB Cleveland wants to ensure you secure the best plan while protecting yourself from aggressive sales tactics and fraudulent schemes.
Key Dates to Remember
Mark your calendar! The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) follows a strict schedule:
- October 15: Open Enrollment begins. This is the first day you can officially join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.
- December 7: Open Enrollment ends. Your plan choices must be submitted by this date.
- January 1: Your new coverage takes effect.
Your Open Enrollment Checklist
- Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): Received in late September, this notice details any changes to your current plan’s costs, coverage and network for the coming year.
- Check Your Prescriptions: Formularies (lists of covered drugs) change yearly. Make sure your medications are still covered at a reasonable tier.
- Verify Your Preferred Providers: Confirm that your primary doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals remain in-network.
BBB Watchdog: Red Flags & Common Scams
Open enrollment is prime time for impersonation scams. Keep your guard up against these common traps:
- “New Plastic Card” Calls: A caller claims Medicare is issuing new plastic or chip cards and needs your current Medicare ID to send it.
- BBB Advice: Hang up. Medicare does not issue new cards over the phone or demand personal details for card replacements.
- Unsolicited Contact: Callers or texts out of the blue offer “cheaper” plans or claim your benefits are expiring soon.
- BBB Advice: Medicare representatives will never make unsolicited calls to sign you up for a plan.
- Free Gifts & Screenings: Salespeople offer free gifts or “health screenings” in exchange for your Medicare details.
Safe Ways to Shop
- Use Official Channels: Use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to compare plans safely.
- Contact SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) provide free, unbiased counseling from local volunteers who don’t sell insurance.
- Protect Your Info: Never give out your Social Security, Medicare ID or bank account numbers to anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and neutralize scammers’ go-to tricks. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
