During Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7), you can review and change your coverage. If you have Original Medicare, this is your opportunity to compare and switch prescription drug plans (Part D) or Medigap policies.

You can also decide whether to stay with Original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan instead.

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are run by private insurance companies. During open enrollment, these companies ramp up their marketing—through TV, radio, social media, mail and even unsolicited calls or texts. Some ads may intentionally or unintentionally mislead you into thinking one plan is better for you than another.

To avoid being misled, it’s important to know what insurance agents and brokers can and cannot do. Older adults and caregivers watch out for agents who:

• Starts a discussion about other insurance products, like life insurance or annuities, when your meeting was scheduled to discuss Medicare Part C or D.
• Sets their own time limits for you to sign up for a plan. You have until December 7 to enroll and there’s no advantage to signing up early.
• Pressures or threatens you, saying your benefits could be taken away if you don’t sign up for their plan.
• Offers gifts or incentives to get you to enroll.
• Approaches you in public to sell a plan.
• Claims that Medicare endorses or prefers their plan.
• Talks about Medicare products you didn’t agree to discuss on your scope of appointment form.
• Asks for personal information or tries to sell you a plan at an educational event.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

According to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), you can avoid unwanted enrollment by:

• Keep your information private. Only share Medicare details with trusted medical providers.
• Double-check what you’re told. Verify all details before signing up for a plan.
• Get it in writing. Request written materials so you can review them carefully.
• Confirm with your doctors. Make sure your preferred providers are in-network before enrolling.

WHEN TO REPORT MEDICARE FRAUD

Report possible marketing violations or misleading practices if you notice any of the following:

• You receive unsolicited calls or texts without the option to opt out. 
• A company falsely claims to represent Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid.
• You find materials such as flyers, door hangers or leaflets left at your home or on your car.
• An agent comes to your home uninvited after missing a prior appointment.
• You discover that promised prescription or service coverage was false after checking your Explanation of Benefits.
• You were told you could keep your Medigap plan after enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan (you can’t have both).

For more information on potential violations, visit the SMP website: SMPResource.org. If you suspect Medicare fraud, errors or abuse, follow the reporting steps provided by SMP.

WHERE TO GET UNBIASED HELP

Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are trusted sources:

• Reach out to the Medicare agents advertising in the BEACON and BEACON Guide. They’re reputable local experts who can answer questions, compare plans and help you find coverage that fits your needs. 

• Call Medicare directly: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or use the live chat at Medicare.gov
• Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).  

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