During Medicare open enrollment, seniors are urged to watch for scams

As Medicare open enrollment gets underway, seniors can review their coverage and look for health plans that better match their needs. One expert also has advice on how to spot scams during the enrollment period.

More than 1 million Maryland residents are enrolled in Medicare, and several changes are coming to the program. The annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D prescription drugs will increase from $2,100 to $2,400, and the standard deductible will rise to $700.

Julia Schreiber, who leads the State Health Insurance Assistance Program within the Maryland Department of Aging, said open enrollment is a good time to reassess coverage needs as health conditions and plan offerings change.

“There’s always the possibility that there might be a more affordable plan that continues to meet your needs,” Schreiber said. “Plans change year to year, health changes year to year, and there might be more affordable options.”

Even with some higher costs, Medicare-negotiated prices will take effect for 15 new drugs. Those include GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as Austedo, Otezla and Xifaxan.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates the negotiated pricing will save seniors nearly $700 million nationwide.

Schreiber also cautioned enrollees about scammers. She said people should be wary of unexpected phone calls or anyone asking for a Medicare number, and noted that offers that sound too good to be true often are.

“Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number or your Social Security number,” she said. “Don’t hand it out to just anyone. Medicare is not going to contact you to ask for your Medicare number unless you contact them and ask for a call back.”

Seniors who want help with their Medicare open enrollment choices can call the Medicare help line at 800-633-4227.