Detroit Regional Chamber > Health and Wellness > The Benefits of Blue > Medicare Open Enrollment Scams to Avoid

Medicare Open Enrollment Scams to Avoid

December 3, 2025

MIBlueDaily
Lindsay Knake
Nov. 4, 2025

When the annual Medicare enrollment period is open, scammers may take extra steps to take advantage of people signing up or confirming their health benefits.

Scammers can appear as Medicare representatives and attempt to steal money or personal information from you. Here are a few things to know about common Medicare scams and protective steps to take.

Stealing money or personal information

A scammer may call you and pretend to be a Medicare or government representative and say they need specific and sensitive information from you for a new Medicare card or to activate your current Medicare card. This is an attempt to steal money or personal information.

A scammer may ask for your:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Medicare number
  • Social Security number
  • Bank account information or debit or credit card number
  • Account usernames and passwords

It’s important to know Medicare representatives only ask for personal information in situations such as returning your call or asking about reported fraud. Additionally, Medicare sends cards automatically and for free.

High-pressure messages and sales pitches

Some scammers may appear as government or health care representatives and give high-pressure messages or sales pitches. They may:

  • Ask you to buy additional coverage or switch plans
  • Say you have an unpaid balance and need to provide payment or banking information
  • Inform you that your benefits are at risk unless you take certain steps
  • Tell you to take an action immediately to avoid penalties or loss of coverage

Medicare will not attempt to sell you anything or call you to pressure you into a decision.