Iowa's senior Medicare fraud program says scammers are using fake plan offers, texts and calls during sign-up season, and a stolen Medicare number can block your care.
Scammers are going after people on Medicare while sign-up season is open. The Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol, a program that helps people spot and report Medicare fraud, says criminals are using fake plan offers, phishing texts and impostor calls. Phishing means a message built to trick you into handing over personal details.
Open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. That is when many people expect to hear about plans, which gives scammers cover. The program says advances in AI and technology have made them more dangerous. They can fake familiar phone numbers and create believable medical bills, so a call or bill can look real when it is not.
The harm goes beyond money. Kristin Griffith, who directs the program, said a thief with your Medicare number can submit fraudulent claims, leaving you unable to get legitimate care when you need it most. A federal estimate puts national losses to Medicare fraud at about $60 billion a year.
The alert box above lists the steps. The short version: treat your Medicare number like a bank PIN, and check your statements for charges you do not recognize. Family members who help manage a parent's coverage should look too.
Iowans who suspect a problem can call 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 1-800-735-2942) for free, confidential help. Counselors can help resolve fraudulent claims, protect coverage and restore Medicare records.
Not yet clear: how many Iowans have been hit this season, or how much they lost. The warning does not say.
Never give your Medicare number to someone who contacts you first, and read every statement for charges you do not recognize.
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