How to Spot Medicare and Health Scams 🏥
Learn how to recognize scams targeting your Medicare benefits, health insurance, or medical information.
How to Spot Medicare and Health Scams 🏥
Scammers target seniors by pretending to be from Medicare, health insurance companies, or medical equipment providers. They want your Medicare number, personal information, or money.
How This Scam Works 🚨
Someone contacts you claiming to be from Medicare or a health organization:
- "We need to verify your Medicare number to keep your benefits active"
- "You qualify for a free back brace, knee brace, or DNA test kit"
- "Your Medicare card is being replaced — we need your information to send the new one"
- "Open enrollment is ending — act now to keep your coverage"
- "We are from Medicare and need to update your records"
Red Flags to Watch For 🚩
- ❌ Anyone calling and asking for your Medicare number — Medicare rarely calls you
- ❌ Offers for free medical equipment you did not ask for
- ❌ Pressure to act immediately or lose your benefits
- ❌ Asking for payment to keep your Medicare active — Medicare never charges enrollment fees
- ❌ Someone showing up at your door offering free health screenings in exchange for your Medicare number
- ❌ Calls about a "new Medicare card" asking you to confirm your number
What Medicare Actually Does ✅
- ✅ Medicare will never call you to sell you anything
- ✅ Medicare will never ask for your bank information over the phone
- ✅ Medicare will never threaten to cancel your benefits if you do not pay immediately
- ✅ Your Medicare number is private — only share it with trusted doctors and providers
What To Do If This Happens 🛡️
Step 1
Hang up or ignore the message — do not share any information
Step 2
If someone used your Medicare number without your permission, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Step 3
Check your Medicare Summary Notice for any services you did not receive
Step 4
Report Medicare fraud to the HHS OIG at oig.hhs.gov
💡
Tip: Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number — never give it to someone who contacts you. Only share it with your doctor at an appointment you scheduled.
Worried about a Medicare message you received? Silver Support Hub can help you check it! 💙