BBB warns Middle Georgia residents about Medicare and Healthcare.gov scams
The BBB says scammers are targeting residents during open enrollment by pretending to offer help with Medicare or Affordable Care Act coverage.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Better Business Bureau is warning people across Middle Georgia to be cautious of scam calls and texts claiming to offer help with Medicare or Healthcare.gov coverage during open enrollment.
According to a bulletin shared by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the BBB says scammers are targeting consumers between October and January, when open enrollment periods are underway for both Medicare and Healthcare.gov. Medicare enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, and Medicare Advantage open enrollment continues through March 31. Healthcare.gov open enrollment began November 1. December 15 as the last day to enroll or change plans for coverage starting January 1, and January 15 for coverage starting February 1.
“BBB Scam Tracker frequently receives reports of scam calls and texts pretending to be from Medicare,” the bulletin said.
One report described a caller pretending to be an agent “asking if I got a new updated Medicare card in the mail. He then verified my name and mailing address. Then he wanted me to get my old card and read off info to him, such as the date on the lower right side of the card. When he asked me to read my card number, I told him I cannot.”
Another person reported a text message that claimed their health benefits were about to expire.
“I received a text saying that my health benefits were about to expire and I needed to call the number to renew,” the report said. “Then, the representative told me I had to pay, and my bank had to verify with them…That’s when I knew it was a scam.”
The BBB says scammers often promise to enroll people in cheaper plans with the same benefits and request personal information such as Medicare ID or Social Security numbers. Sharing that information can lead to identity theft.
The BBB advises consumers to protect themselves by watching for red flags:
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages. Legitimate Navigators or Assisters will not contact you first or charge for their help.
• Don’t accept free gifts or “health screenings” in exchange for your Medicare ID or other personal details.
• Keep your Medicare, Social Security and banking information private.
• Use only official websites such as Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov to manage coverage.
• Contact your employer directly if you receive unexpected emails about health benefits.
Anyone who believes they were contacted by a scammer or shared personal information should call 1-800-MEDICARE. Suspected ACA fraud can be reported to HealthCare.gov or by calling the Health Insurance Marketplace at 800-318-2596.
Victims of scams are also encouraged to report their experiences at BBB.org/ScamTracker.