Fraud During the Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is coming soon. During this critical time of the year (from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) all Medicare Beneficiaries should review their Part D Prescription Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan to ensure they have the best option for the next year. Step-by-step instructions on comparing plans are available in our “Steer Your Own SHIIP” document.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is a very busy time and a time when Medicare fraud is abundant! Medicare commercials bombard us on TV urging quick action. While email offers promise great plans and amazing benefits if we just click a link. Social media posts use persuasive tactics pushing plans, and our phones light up with text messages and non-stop calls. It never seems to stop.

What are the warning signs of a Medicare scam?

With so much happening during Open Enrollment, it is more important than ever to understand the warning signs of scams. First, be aware of advertisements promising free items or services for changing plans, or any high-pressure sales tactics trying to get you to switch your Medicare plan. ‘‘Extra” benefits scammers often mention include opportunities to renew or upgrade your Medicare card or a claim that you’re eligible for a refund. High-pressure tactics often focus on fear to force you to make a move, including threats to cancel your Medicare coverage.

What you can do to fight fraud.

During the Open Enrollment Period you can prevent fraud by taking these steps:

• Guard your card. Treat your Medicare card like a credit card.
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Scammers can be very convincing and persuade you to give out information. Let unknown calls go to voicemail.
• Refuse all offers for “free” medical services or goods.
• Avoid any suspicious emails or links in attachments or social media.
• Ensure any insurance agents you interact with are following rules for selling Medicare Advantage plans. Cold-calling or door-knocking is not allowed; you must request the appointment.

You can also take proactive action to keep yourself safe. The best practice for avoiding Medicare fraud is to review your statements. Called MSNs or EOBs, these statements provide information on medical services received and any charges made for those services. Review each statement to make sure all charges are for services or supplies that you received.

Finally, if you have been impacted by Medicare fraud, it is important to report it. Start by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report the fraudulent claim and request a new Medicare card, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and call your Iowa SHIIP/SMP at 1-800-351-4664.