Scam calls and text messages increase during the Medicare open enrollment period

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Open enrollment has begun for residents age 65 and older who need to start or upgrade their Medicare coverage.

Older adults have until December 7 to apply for Medicare plans.

During this time, recipients may change their health insurance and prescription drug coverage to better meet their needs for the following year.

However, with the open enrollment period, the Better Business Bureau is alerting residents to watch out for possible scams.

The BBB said it frequently receives reports of scam calls and text messages purporting to be from Medicare providers. Officials said they are wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue and are skeptical of free gifts or health screenings that the scammers might conduct.

Additionally, officials said the best way to make changes to your health insurance plan is to go directly to Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov and avoid clicking on any suspicious links or messages.

If you are unsure whether a call or offer came from Medicare, or you have given your personal information to someone claiming to be on Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.

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