Got a Call About Medicare Advantage? Here’s What You Need to Know

Every fall, Medicare recipients receive calls from insurance companies encouraging them to sign up for Medicare Advantage plans. While some calls are helpful, others can be confusing or misleading.

During Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, October 15 through December 7, it’s possible to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan without fully understanding the consequences.

If you were enrolled in a plan you didn’t want, you may be able to reverse the decision.

Watch Out for These Warning Signs

Be cautious if a caller:

• Contacts you unexpectedly about Medicare.
• Asks for your Medicare number or personal information.
• Pressures you to make an immediate decision.
• Promises a $0 premium without explaining the coverage details.

Never share your Medicare number with an unsolicited caller or agree to changes you don’t understand.

What Happens if You Were Enrolled?

Medicare Advantage plans replace how you receive benefits through Original Medicare. Enrollment during the fall Open Enrollment period generally takes effect January 1.

If you believe you were enrolled by mistake, act quickly.

Here’s what to do:

1. Check your coverage. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to find out whether you were enrolled in a new plan.
2. Contact Medicare. Explain that you were enrolled without fully understanding or agreeing to the change. If you were misled, use the term “Marketing Misrepresentation” and ask about correcting your coverage.
3. Contact the insurance company. Request cancellation of the unwanted enrollment.
4. Keep records. Write down the caller’s name, company, date of the call, and what was said.

If someone is helping you with these calls, Medicare may require that person to be an authorized representative.

Important: Don’t Cancel Your Medigap Policy

If you have Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, don’t cancel it until you understand your options. Getting that coverage back may be difficult.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense against unwanted Medicare changes is to be cautious. Don’t respond to high-pressure sales tactics, never share personal information with unexpected callers, and seek independent advice before switching plans.

Remember: You have the right to choose your Medicare coverage. If you believe you were misled, contact Medicare or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for help.

This article provides general information, not personalized Medicare advice. Rules and deadlines may change. Visit Medicare.gov for current information.