Medicare Enrollment Period can initiate many unsolicited calls

 

Every year, the government issues new rules meant to protect Medicare beneficiaries, unfortunately, many companies do not follow them. 

Medicare beneficiaries can receive 5, 10, or even 20 calls per day.  These unwanted, relentless calls can be intrusive and time-consuming.  Some of these calls are scams trying to steal your Medicare number and other personal information.  However, most of the calls are coming from “lead companies.”  These companies, operating with deceptive tactics, hire people from around the world to cold-call Medicare beneficiaries, trying to engage and screen for information. If they find someone who will listen, they transfer the call to a licensed insurance agent in the United States who will pitch a Medicare Advantage plan based on the limited information they have about the customer.

The initial callers offer all sorts of benefits that are typically only available to a small fraction of Medicare beneficiaries. One of the most common sales pitches is, “Are you receiving the thousands of dollars available toward grocery bills?”  That is an enticing offer if it were real, but for most Medicare beneficiaries, it is not. Only individuals who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (aka "Dual Eligibles") can qualify for a grocery allowance. 

 

Effective Strategies to stop the calls

You can take action to reduce the number of calls you receive.  Many of these calls come from “spoofed” numbers in the same area code as yours. 

1.      National Do Not Call Registry: This is a free government registry to help reduce unwanted telemarketing calls. https://www.donotcall.gov/

2.     Call Blocking Features: Many phones have the ability to block specific numbers or all unknown callers.  Any time you receive a solicitation call block that number. If you are going to block all unknown callers please add us to your phone book so we are not blocked!  Andrew will be calling from (973) 435-8444 and Colleen from (973) 351-5979.

3.     Be Cautious of Unfamiliar Numbers: If you receive a call from an unfamiliar number, don't answer. Let it go to voicemail, and listen to the message. If it's a legitimate call, they will leave a message with their contact information.

4.     Never Provide Personal Information: Scammers often try to gather personal information, such as your Social Security number or Medicare card number. Never provide this information over the phone unless YOU initiate the call to a verified company or government agency.

5.     Hang Up on Suspicious Calls: If you suspect a call is a scam, simply hang up. Don't engage in conversation with the caller.  

6.     Report Scams to the FTC: If you've been a victim of a Medicare scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can file a complaint online at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.

7.     Consider Using a Call Screening App: There are many call screening apps available that can help identify and block unwanted calls.

8.    Update Your Contact Information: Ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with your Medicare provider. This can help prevent scammers from obtaining your information.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of Medicare solicitation calls you receive and protect yourself from scams. Remember, if you're unsure about a call, it's always better to err on the side of caution.

Medicare Enrollment Season

There are some major changes this Medicare Enrollment season, and we will contact all our clients to review their coverage for 2025. Coverage can be changed starting October 15th thru December 7th for January 1, 2025. Our team at New Jersey Medicare Brokers is here to help - contact us today!