Medicare Open Enrollment Starts: How To Avoid Scams
15 Oct 2026 · USA
Medicare Open Enrollment opens today, 15 October, and runs until 7 December. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning that scams pick up at this time of year.
During Open Enrollment, people with Medicare can review and change their health and drug plans. Many start by searching online, and that's where the FTC says trouble can begin.
Scammers and dishonest businesses sometimes pay to appear at the top of search results. They use web addresses that look like government sites, along with official-looking logos, to make you think you're on the real Medicare.gov. If you use the link or phone number in one of these ads, you could end up paying for a plan that isn't real health insurance, or have your medical identity stolen.
How To Stay Safe
- Type Medicare.gov straight into your browser, or call 1-800-633-4227.
- Look for small "Ad" or "Sponsored" labels in search results, and scroll past them.
- Check that the web address ends in .gov.
- For free, unbiased help comparing plans, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Think you've spotted a scam? Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or at Medicare.gov if it involves Medicare. Keep our printable scam cheat sheet by the phone.
Sources
Last checked 16 October 2026.
- FTC: What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams
- Medicare.gov: Joining a plan
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Updated 16 October 2026