Why Am I Getting So Many Phone Calls About Medicare?

Introduction

Are you constantly receiving unexpected phone calls about Medicare? Have strangers been asking about your Medicare coverage? You’re not alone. Unsolicited phone calls about Medicare are becoming increasingly common as the population continues to age and telemarketing efforts become more sophisticated. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons behind unexpected Medicare calls and discuss what you need to know to protect yourself.

Reasons for Unexpected Medicare Calls

There are a few reasons why you may be getting unsolicited phone calls about Medicare. Let’s take a look at each one.

Aging Population

The first reason is the most obvious: the aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “the number of Americans aged 65 and over is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060.” This means that more and more people are signing up for Medicare every year, making it a prime target for telemarketers.

Changes in Medicare Policies

Another reason for the influx of Medicare phone calls is changes in Medicare policies. As the government makes adjustments to the program, telemarketers are quick to jump on board and try to capitalize on any confusion or uncertainty. For example, in 2019 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced changes to the Medicare Part D program, which resulted in an increase in telemarketing efforts targeting seniors.

Telemarketing Efforts

Finally, telemarketing efforts are becoming more sophisticated, making it easier for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals. According to the Federal Trade Commission, “scammers can use automated dialers to make thousands of calls in a short amount of time. They also use ‘spoofing’ technology to make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate source such as Medicare.”

How to Stop Unwanted Medicare Phone Calls

If you’re tired of getting unwanted phone calls about Medicare, there are a few steps you can take to stop them. Here’s what you need to know.

Register for the Do Not Call List

The first step is to register for the National Do Not Call Registry. Once you’ve registered, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you. You can register online or by calling 1-888-382-1222.

Block Unknown Numbers

The second step is to block unknown numbers on your phone. This will prevent most telemarketers from being able to reach you. You can usually do this through your phone’s settings.

Use a Call Blocking App

Finally, you can download a call blocking app such as Truecaller or Hiya. These apps allow you to easily block unwanted callers and report suspicious numbers.

Should You Trust a Random Caller Claiming to Be From Medicare?

When you get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, it’s natural to be wary. After all, scammers often target seniors with Medicare-related scams. However, it’s important to understand that not all calls from Medicare are fraudulent. Here’s what you need to know.

Legitimate Medicare Calls

Medicare does occasionally make legitimate calls to beneficiaries. For example, they may call to remind you about an upcoming appointment or to ask you to update your contact information. In these cases, the caller will typically identify themselves as being from Medicare and provide you with their name and contact information.

How to Spot a Scam

If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, it’s important to be vigilant. Here are some signs that the call may be a scam:

• The caller asks for personal information such as your Social Security Number or bank account details.
• The caller offers a “free” product or service.
• The caller pressures you to act quickly or threatens you with penalties if you don’t comply.

Is Your Phone Number Being Used for Medicare Scams?

If you suspect that your phone number is being used for Medicare scams, there are a few steps you can take to verify who is calling.

Verify Who is Calling

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare, you can always call the official Medicare phone number at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify who is calling.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you suspect that the call is a scam, hang up immediately and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can do this online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Protect Yourself From Medicare Telemarketing Fraud

In order to protect yourself from Medicare telemarketing fraud, it’s important to understand your rights and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Here’s what you need to know.

Understand Your Rights

It’s important to understand your rights as a Medicare beneficiary. The Federal Trade Commission has a helpful guide that outlines your rights and how to protect yourself from fraud.

Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a Medicare scam, it’s important to report it immediately. You can report suspicious activity to the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

Conclusion

Unsolicited phone calls about Medicare are unfortunately becoming more and more common. To protect yourself from telemarketing fraud and scams, it’s important to take the necessary steps to stop unwanted calls. Register for the Do Not Call list, block unknown numbers, and use a call blocking app. If you suspect that a call is a scam, hang up immediately and report it to the Federal Trade Commission. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from Medicare telemarketing fraud.