What to Do if You Receive an Unsolicited Call About Medicare

Unsolicited phone calls can catch anyone off guard, especially when they're about something as important as Medicare. If you receive such a call, it's essential to know how to handle it. Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure you're making informed decisions:

1. Stay Calm and Don't Feel Pressured

When you receive an unexpected call about Medicare, the first thing to do is stay calm. Remember, you are under no obligation to engage with the caller. Scammers often use fear or urgency to pressure people into making hasty decisions. If the person on the other end is trying to rush you, that’s a red flag.

2. Do Not Provide Personal Information

Legitimate Medicare representatives or insurance agents will never ask for sensitive personal information like your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank details over the phone. If the caller asks for this information, it’s a strong indication that the call may be fraudulent. Hang up immediately if you feel uncomfortable or unsure.

3. Ask for Verification

If the caller claims to be from Medicare or an insurance company, ask for their full name, title, and contact information, including a company phone number. Then, verify the information before proceeding. You can cross-check their claims by calling the official Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or directly contacting your insurance provider.

4. Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

Medicare does not call you out of the blue with offers for new plans, discounts, or savings. If the caller is offering something that sounds too good to be true, be skeptical. Scammers often lure victims with promises of better coverage or lower costs, only to exploit them later.

5. Keep a Record of the Call

If you’re suspicious, jot down the details of the call—the caller's name, phone number, time, and date. Having this information can help authorities investigate the call if it turns out to be a scam. You can report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or file a complaint online.

6. Know That Medicare Doesn't Make Sales Calls

It’s important to know that Medicare itself never makes unsolicited calls to sell you plans or services. If someone is calling you out of the blue and claiming to be from Medicare to discuss plan options or changes, that’s a warning sign. Always initiate the contact yourself by calling Medicare or a trusted Medicare agent.

7. Register with the Do Not Call List

If you haven’t already, you can reduce unsolicited calls by registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. While this may not block every spam call, it can cut down on the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive.

8. Consult a Trusted Medicare Agent

If you are genuinely interested in discussing your Medicare options or want more information, it’s best to consult a trusted, independent Medicare agent. Agents can provide you with accurate and personalized advice on your coverage options. Make sure the agent is licensed and someone you can trust

Conclusion

Receiving unsolicited calls about Medicare can be frustrating and potentially risky. However, by staying calm, asking for verification, and never sharing your personal information over the phone, you can protect yourself from fraud. When in doubt, hang up and reach out to a trusted Medicare agent or call Medicare directly to ensure you're getting accurate information.

If you have questions or need reliable Medicare advice, reach out to Carrie Docktor, an independent Medicare agent, known for her integrity and dedication to helping clients navigate Medicare options safely.