With Medicare’s annual open enrollment period approaching, officials with the Iowa Insurance Division are warning beneficiaries to be on the lookout for scams targeting older adults as they make decisions about their 2026 coverage. Open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving eligible applicants the chance to review and change their Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage plans. Scammers often take advantage of the confusion and deadlines to steal personal information or fraudulently enroll individuals in new plans. Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Director Kristin Griffith says, “Navigating the Open Enrollment Period can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. We have well-trained and certified SHIIP-SMP counselors across the state equipped to help you with this process.” These services are offered at almost every hospital here in the listening area, and contact information can be found using the link included with this story on our website. Estimates show that Medicare fraud costs nearly $100 billion each year, putting the program at risk. Common scams include unsolicited phone calls or text messages sent to beneficiaries in an attempt to steal a Medicare number or personal information. When in doubt, hang up the phone or do not respond to messages until you can contact a family member, friend, or local SHIIP counselor.
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