How to Steer Clear of Scams During Open Enrollment

WXIN/WTTV – Health insurance scams can happen throughout the year, but they often surge during Open Enrollment.

Experts say stolen medical records can be worth 10 to 50 times more than a stolen credit card number on the dark web, which makes medical identity fraud a persistent danger, especially late in the year.

Medicare Open Enrollment is underway, and the Federal Trade Commission is offering reminders on how to stay protected while looking for information or a new plan.

When searching online, the FTC warns that the first results are not always trustworthy, especially if they are marked “paid” or “sponsored.” Scammers may buy those spots to place fake websites at the top of search pages, leading people to copycat pages. Instead, the FTC advises skipping those sponsored links and checking for a .gov address.

The safest option is to type Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov directly into the browser address bar. From there, people can compare plans, review coverage, or find out whether they qualify for savings. Help and guidance are also available through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP, and local Senior Medical Patrol programs.

Trendlife says several scams become more common during this period. One involves a fake agent call, in which someone claims to work for Medicare and says you qualify for a better plan. Another is a request for a new Medicare card, where a caller says Medicare is issuing replacement cards and asks for your Medicare number or a fee. People should also be wary of calls or texts about “important medical notices,” where scammers impersonate the government in an attempt to get victims on the phone.

The key rule is simple: never provide medical or other sensitive information to anyone who reaches out unexpectedly. If you run into a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.