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It seems like scammers never take a day off. Whether it’s by phone, email, in person, etc., they’re always looking for the next best way to get their hands on your info or money.

While tax season is particularly active in scams, so is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Con artists know that people are shopping around for health insurance during this period, and they’ll try everything they can to lure you into their scams.

We’ll discuss some open enrollment scams to watch out for, so you don’t become the next victim, but first, let’s give a brief background on what this period is all about.

An Intro To Open Enrollment

Every year between October 15 and December 7, Medicare enrollees get the chance to optimize their coverage.

Why participate in this period? Because your current Medicare plan may change in terms of higher costs, drug coverage, in-network providers, etc. And beyond that, your health may change to the point that your current plan is no longer sufficient.

Your best bet is to review your coverage each year and compare it to your needs. If it’s not up to snuff, use open enrollment to shop around via the Medicare website. You can then pick the right plan and enjoy its new and improved benefits once January 1 hits.

Common Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

Keep an eye out for these scams that are pretty popular when open enrollment is in session:

1. Phone calls about pending refunds from drug plans or premiums from last year.
2. Phony prescription cards that promise big discounts but offer no real benefits.
3. Phone calls promising major discounts on new health insurance plans.
4. Calls from phony insurance plans or Medicare reps offering to send you a new health card in exchange for $299.
5. Attempts by agents to sign you up for nonexistent plans or ones that don’t fit your needs.
6. Door-to-door solicitations that are face-to-face or via flyers or leaflets.
7. Getting approached by agents in lobbies, parking lots, hallways, sidewalks, or other common areas.
8. Agents telling you they are “from Medicare.”
9. Unsolicited voice mails or text messages from agents.
10. Phone calls asking if you received information an agent mailed to you.
11. Getting asked for referrals of friends or family that may be interested in a Medicare plan.
12. Receiving cold calls about healthcare plans.

Tips to Avoid Medicare Scams

Awareness of scams is just part of the equation. Here are some more tips to steer clear of cons:

1. Never get pushed into making a quick decision, especially when it comes to your Medicare plan.
2. Don’t answer any phone calls from unfamiliar numbers.
3. Keep your Medicare card in a safe place.
4. Don’t share your Medicare number with anyone except doctors or other providers.
5. Know that Medicare will contact you via mail, not by in-person visit or phone call.
6. If you need help with picking a Medicare plan during open enrollment, visit the official Medicare website, or you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.