Is that call really from Medicare? How to tell, and what to say
During open enrollment the fake Medicare calls rise. One rule tells you it isn't Medicare, and one sentence ends the call.
4 minute read · Updated October 2026
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and every year the fake "Medicare" calls rise with it. The caller says they're from Medicare. Caller ID may even agree. Then comes a reason you have to act today.
What the call usually sounds like
- "Your coverage will end unless you switch plans today."
- "We're sending you a new Medicare card. We just need to confirm your number."
- "You qualify for free medical equipment, a free test, or a gift."
The reason changes. What they ask for at the end doesn't.
What they really want
Your Medicare Number. With it, someone can bill Medicare for care or equipment you never received, in your name. Medicare.gov's advice is to protect your Medicare Number like a credit card.
The rule that settles it
Medicare.gov puts it plainly: "Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give us personal or private information." And Medicare plans aren't allowed to call you unless you're already a member or you've given them permission.
So an unexpected call about Medicare that asks for your number isn't Medicare. You don't have to work out which scam it is. You only have to notice that you didn't start the call.
The sentence that ends the call
"I don't do this on the phone. I'll call Medicare myself."
Then hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), the number on Medicare.gov. Never call back a number the caller gives you.
If you already gave your number
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE the same day and tell them what happened.
- Read your next Medicare statements line by line. Question any service, test or equipment you didn't receive.
- Report it. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, or the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477). Your state's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) will help you report it, free.
Comparing plans for next year, the safe way
Open enrollment itself is real and worth doing: plans can change their premiums, drug coverage and doctor networks every year. Compare plans yourself at Medicare.gov's Plan Finder, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. For free, unbiased one-on-one help, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is at shiphelp.org.
Our free Medicare Review sheet puts this year's plan next to next year's on one page, so you can decide on your own terms, with nobody on the phone rushing you.
The three questions work here too
- Did I start this?
- Is it pushing me to hurry, or to keep it quiet?
- Does it want money, codes, or access?
One yes is enough to hang up.
The people these calls work on aren't careless. Nobody told them Medicare doesn't call. Pass this on.