Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Medicare plan call me without my permission?
Generally no. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are not allowed to make unsolicited sales calls. A plan may contact you if you have given permission, if you are already a member and the call concerns your plan, or if you requested information. A cold call offering to 'update' or 'switch' your Medicare coverage is a major red flag.
Will Medicare ever call and ask for my Medicare number?
Medicare does not call to sell you plans or to ask for your Medicare number or bank information. If someone calls claiming to be 'Medicare' and pressures you to act, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself using the number on your card or at Medicare.gov.
Is it a scam if an agent shows up at my door?
Door-to-door solicitation of Medicare plans without a scheduled appointment is not allowed for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Do not let unexpected visitors into your home or share your Medicare number, and report the visit.
Where do I report Medicare fraud?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1-877-808-2468, report to the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, or file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Keep notes on the date, time, phone number, and what was said.
What if I already gave my Medicare number to a scammer?
Do not panic. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it, review your Medicare Summary Notices and MyMedicare.gov claims for services you did not receive, and ask about replacing your Medicare card. If you shared banking or Social Security information, contact your bank and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period is also peak season for scams. Fraudsters know that millions of seniors are looking at their coverage and expecting to hear from plans. Knowing what legitimate plans can and cannot do makes most scams easy to spot.
8 Red Flags
- An unsolicited call, text, or email offering to change your Medicare plan
- A request for your Medicare number from someone you did not contact
- "Your card is expiring" or "you must replace your card" — Medicare cards do not expire, and replacement is free
- Pressure to decide immediately — "this offer ends today"
- Promises of free gifts, cash, or 'giveback' deals in exchange for switching
- Free medical equipment, genetic tests, or back braces you did not request
- Requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- An agent who will not give you plan details in writing or refuses to let you call back
What Legitimate Plans and Agents Can Do
- Respond when you call them or request information
- Meet with you at a scheduled appointment you agreed to
- Send you plan mailings and, if you are a member, call about your existing coverage
- Record sales and enrollment calls (required for marketing organizations) so you can verify what was said
A licensed agent or broker can be a legitimate help — but you decide when and how to talk to them, and you can always verify a plan yourself on Medicare.gov before enrolling.
How to Protect Yourself
- Treat your Medicare number like a Social Security number — share it only with doctors, pharmacies, and plans you chose
- Hang up on unsolicited callers; do not press buttons to 'opt out' because that confirms your number is active
- Verify any plan on Medicare.gov Plan Finder or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE
- Check your Medicare Summary Notices and MyMedicare.gov claims regularly for services you did not receive
- Talk to your SHIP counselor for free, unbiased help instead of relying on callers
- Never give your Medicare number to an unsolicited caller
- Remember: Medicare cards do not expire and replacement is free
- Take your time — there is no legitimate offer that expires 'today'
- Report suspicious contacts to 1-800-MEDICARE or your Senior Medicare Patrol
→ Medicare and Social Security Scams
→ How to Read Your Medicare Statements
→ AEP Frequently Asked Questions