Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: How to Check Ads and Calls

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. That makes the weeks around enrollment a prime time for misleading ads, fake government-lookalike websites, and callers asking for Medicare numbers or other personal information.

Last reviewed: October 11, 2026.

What is the current Medicare open-enrollment scam warning?

The Federal Trade Commission published a September 28, 2026 warning ahead of open enrollment about health-insurance scams and misleading enrollment offers.

The FTC warns that scammers may:

• Use sponsored search results that look official.
• Create websites with government-style names, logos, or colors.
• Offer fake or misleading health-insurance plans.
• Ask for personal information before clearly identifying who they are.
• Pressure people to act quickly.

Medicare’s official enrollment calendar says the annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes generally take effect January 1 of the next year.

Can a Medicare ad in Google or social media be misleading?

Yes. A paid or sponsored result can appear above an official Medicare page.

Do not assume a website is government-run because it:

• Uses the word “Medicare.”
• Shows an American flag or government-style seal.
• Uses a .com address that sounds official.
• Appears first in search results.
• Says “official enrollment center” or similar language.

Is every private Medicare broker or plan agent a scam?

No. Licensed agents and brokers can legitimately help people compare Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and other coverage options.

The problem is impersonation or misleading sales tactics—not the existence of private enrollment assistance itself.

Before sharing your Medicare number or personal information, identify:

• The company or agency name.
• The agent’s name.
• Which insurer or plans they represent.
• Why they need the information requested.
• Whether the contact was expected.

Should I give a caller my Medicare number?

Be cautious with unsolicited calls.

Your Medicare number can be valuable to scammers because it can be used in attempts to bill Medicare for services or products you did not receive.

If a caller says they need your Medicare number to:

• Activate a new benefit.
• Send a free medical kit.
• Replace your card unexpectedly.
• Confirm a prize or rebate.
• Keep your coverage from being canceled.

end the call and verify independently through Medicare.

How to verify a Medicare enrollment offer

1. Start at Medicare.gov. Do not begin with the caller’s link.
2. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you are unsure whether a benefit, plan, or enrollment request is legitimate.
3. Check the exact plan name rather than relying on a generic “Medicare benefits” description.
4. Do not rush. A legitimate enrollment decision does not require handing over sensitive information to an unexpected caller immediately.
5. Use SHIP if you want independent counseling before choosing a plan.

What is SHIP?

SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

SHIP counselors provide free, local, one-on-one help with Medicare questions. You can find your state’s program at SHIPHelp.org.

SHIP can help you understand:

• Original Medicare.
• Medicare Advantage.
• Part D prescription-drug plans.
• Medigap.
• Enrollment periods.
• Plan comparison questions.

If you are uncomfortable making a decision based on an ad or sales call, SHIP is a useful independent option.

What if a caller says Medicare is issuing a new card?

Do not give out your Medicare number or banking information simply because someone says a new card is required.

Verify card or enrollment questions through Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

What if the website looks like Medicare.gov?

Check the actual domain in the browser address bar. The official federal Medicare site is medicare.gov.

A site can copy colors, logos, wording, or page layouts. Visual similarity is not proof of government affiliation.

What if you already shared your Medicare number?

1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain what happened.
2. Review your Medicare claims for services or products you do not recognize.
3. Keep records of the call, website, phone number, and information you disclosed.
4. Report suspected fraud through the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you also shared bank, credit-card, Social Security, or account-login information, contact the affected institution and take appropriate identity-theft precautions.

Related TIAS guide

Fake Medicare offers can also appear inside impersonation emails. See our MyChart Scam Email guide for a documented fake “Medicare kit” lure.

Medicare Open Enrollment scam FAQs

When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes generally take effect January 1.

How can I check a Medicare enrollment ad or phone number?

Do not rely on the ad or caller itself. Start at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify the plan, benefit, or enrollment request.

Where can I get independent help comparing Medicare plans?

Use your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP offers free Medicare counseling and can be found through SHIPHelp.org.

Is every Medicare Advantage sales call a scam?

No. Licensed agents can legitimately discuss Medicare plans. Verify the agent, company, and plan independently before sharing personal information.

Bottom line

Medicare Open Enrollment is real, but the enrollment season attracts impersonation and misleading offers. Start with Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE if uncertain, and use SHIP for free independent help comparing plans.

ThinkItsAScam.com is independent and is not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, the FTC, SHIP, any insurer, or any insurance broker.