Medicare scam calls target over 65 million Americans enrolled in Medicare. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that Medicare fraud costs taxpayers $60 billion annually, and phone scams are a primary method criminals use to harvest the Medicare numbers that enable this fraud. If you or a family member is on Medicare, understanding these scams is essential.
What Medicare Scam Calls Sound Like
The "New Medicare Card" Call
"We're calling from Medicare to let you know your new Medicare card is ready. To verify your identity and ship your card, we just need to confirm your Medicare number." Medicare completed its card replacement program in 2019. There are no new cards being issued through phone calls. If your card is lost, you request a replacement at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
The "Free" Medical Equipment Call
"Medicare is now covering a free back brace (or knee brace, or diabetic supplies) at no cost to you. All we need is your Medicare number to process the order." Scammers use your Medicare number to bill Medicare for equipment you never receive or do not need. You end up with fraudulent claims on your account, and it can affect your future coverage.
The Genetic Testing Scam
"You qualify for a free genetic screening test covered by Medicare. This can detect cancer and other conditions early. Just provide your Medicare number and we'll send you a kit." While Medicare does cover some genetic tests, they must be ordered by your doctor based on medical necessity. No legitimate program cold-calls to offer genetic testing.
The Open Enrollment Pressure Call
"Open enrollment ends tomorrow and your current plan is being discontinued. We need to switch you to a new plan immediately or you'll lose coverage." Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 — it does not change year to year, and your existing coverage does not expire overnight. Medicare does not call during enrollment to pressure you into plan changes.
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What Medicare Never Does by Phone
- Calls to ask for your Medicare number (they already have it)
- Threatens to cancel your coverage if you do not provide information
- Offers "free" products or services in exchange for your Medicare number
- Asks for your bank account or credit card information to "verify" coverage
- Sends representatives to your home uninvited
Why Medicare Scams Are So Dangerous
Your Medicare number is directly tied to your Social Security number and your healthcare identity. Once stolen, it can be used to:
- File false claims that exhaust your benefits or create medical records showing treatments you never had
- Obtain prescription drugs in your name, which then get sold illegally
- Commit identity theft using the personal data associated with your Medicare account
- Create fraudulent medical records that could lead to incorrect treatment if you have a real medical emergency
How to Protect Yourself
- Never give your Medicare number to an unsolicited caller. If Medicare needs to contact you, they send a letter. If your doctor's office needs your number, they already have it on file.
- Guard your Medicare card like a credit card. Do not carry it in your wallet unless you are going to a medical appointment.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice every quarter. Look for services, equipment, or providers you do not recognize. This catches fraud early.
- If you receive a suspicious call about Medicare, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) directly to verify any claims.
- If the scammer left a voicemail or sent a follow-up text or email, paste the content into IsThisAScam.to for an instant analysis.
How to Report Medicare Scams
- HHS OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or oig.hhs.gov
- Medicare directly: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Senior Medicare Patrol: smpresource.org — volunteers who help Medicare beneficiaries detect and report fraud
Helping Elderly Family Members
If you have parents or grandparents on Medicare, consider these protective steps:
- Have a conversation about Medicare scam calls — many seniors feel embarrassed and do not report them
- Set up call filtering on their phone to reduce robocalls
- Offer to review their Medicare Summary Notices quarterly
- Add their number to the Do Not Call Registry
- Show them how to check suspicious messages at IsThisAScam.to — the tool is designed to be simple enough for anyone to use
Medicare scams prey on trust and confusion. The single best defense is a simple rule: never provide your Medicare number to anyone who calls you. If it is really Medicare, they already have it.