Medicare Advantage · October 2026

Medicare Fraud: 8 Warning Signs and How to Protect Yourself This Fall

By Ali El-Hallani, Principal, Michigan Benefit Services

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. It is the time of year when many people review their plans, and it is also when scammers get busy. Michigan's insurance regulators and health department are warning older adults to watch for fake callers, misleading mail and high-pressure sales tactics this fall. Here are the warning signs to know, in plain English.

1. Medicare will not call you to sell you something

Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home. Someone representing Medicare will only call you in limited cases, such as returning a call you made or following up after you joined a plan. If someone calls out of the blue saying they are "from Medicare" and asks for your information, hang up.

2. Guard your Medicare number like a credit card

You do not need to give your Medicare number just to get information about plans. You generally only need it when you actually enroll. Never give your Medicare number or Social Security number to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, and never give it in exchange for money, gifts or "free" medical care or equipment.

3. Do not trust caller ID

Scammers can make a call look like it is coming from a real business or a government office. If you are not sure who is calling, hang up and call Medicare yourself at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

4. "Join this drug plan or lose your Medicare" is a lie

Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is voluntary. Anyone who says you must join a Part D plan or you will lose your Medicare coverage is using a common scam line.

5. Watch out for mail that looks like it is from the government

Some private companies send mail designed to look like an official government notice, with the real sender hidden in small print. A postcard that claims to be from Medicare or "authorized by Medicare" is a red flag.

6. No agent is "from Medicare"

Licensed insurance agents are not allowed to say they are from Medicare, that they are calling on Medicare's behalf, or that a plan is approved or endorsed by Medicare. They also cannot say Medicare or a government agency asked them to contact you. If you hear any of these, be careful.

7. Be careful with "free" offers

Do not accept money or gifts in return for medical care, and do not let anyone except your doctor or other Medicare providers review your medical records or recommend services.

8. Pressure to decide right now

Take your time. Michigan officials urge people not to make enrollment decisions under pressure. Medicare also advises that you do not join a health or drug plan over the phone unless you called and asked for help.

Check your statements: the 4 R's

• Record your doctor visits, tests and services on a calendar, and keep your receipts.
• Review your Medicare Summary Notices, or your plan's statements if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Look for any service you do not recognize.
• Report anything that looks wrong. The sooner you report it, the sooner it can be stopped.
• Remember to guard your Medicare card, never let someone else use it, and ask questions when something does not seem right.

Where to report Medicare fraud in Michigan

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048
• Michigan Senior Medicare Patrol: 844-677-6424
• Michigan Attorney General Consumer Protection: 517-335-7599
• Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS): 877-999-6442, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints
• HHS Office of Inspector General fraud hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477), or tips.oig.hhs.gov
• Medicare Advantage or drug plan members can also call I-MEDIC at 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379)

For free, unbiased help comparing plans, you can also call MI Options at 800-803-7174.

How we work with you

When you talk with us, we tell you our names and that we are licensed insurance agents. We will never say we are from Medicare. If you ever want to be sure it is really us, hang up and call us back at 313.721.2144.

Sources: Michigan DIFS and MDHHS Medicare scam tips (Oct. 12, 2026), Medicare.gov: Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse, Medicare.gov: 4 R's for Fighting Medicare Fraud, Michigan Senior Medicare Patrol, HHS Office of Inspector General, and ClickOnDetroit (Oct. 14, 2026). We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.