DIFS and MDHHS Share Tips to Help Seniors Avoid Scams During Medicare Open Enrollment Period

Media Contact: DIFS-press@michigan.gov
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2025

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are alerting Michigan seniors about scams and high-pressure sales tactics during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15, 2025, through December 7, 2025.

“The Medicare Open Enrollment period is a time for Michigan seniors to make important decisions about their health insurance and prescription drug coverage,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Unfortunately, it also provides the opportunity for criminals and scammers to try to take advantage of seniors to steal their money or personal information. Current enrollees and those enrolling in Medicare for the first time can protect themselves by never giving out any information to anyone who contacts them over the phone, online, or in-person.”

"We want to make sure that Michigan residents get access to the health care coverage they need without being taken advantage of by scammers," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "We also want to remind Michigan families of a new resource, the MI Options call center, which can connect people with free counseling to help them navigate Medicare plan options or enrollment by calling 800-803-7174."

To help protect Michiganders from Medicare scams and high-pressure sales efforts, DIFS and MDHHS have some helpful tips:

• Always protect your Medicare ID number. You can get information on Medicare plans without providing an ID number. The only time you must use your ID number is when you enroll in a plan.
• Never give your Medicare ID number or any other information to unsolicited callers or those making requests through other means, even if they say they are from Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will never call or send someone to your home. Insurance agents and brokers cannot state that they are from Medicare, that their plans are approved, endorsed, or authorized by Medicare, that they are calling on behalf of Medicare, or that Medicare or any state or federal agency has asked them to call or see you. If you receive an unsolicited call asking for your personal information or you Medicare number or someone comes to your door, calls you, or sends a postcard purporting to be from Medicare or authorized by Medicare - it is a scam.
• Do not rely on caller ID. Scammers can use technology to make it look like they are calling from a recognized business or government agency. To verify the legitimacy of the caller, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to verify. You can also report Medicare impersonators and other Medicare scams using this phone number.
• Ignore anyone who contacts you saying you must join the prescription drug plan (also known as Part D) or you will lose your Medicare coverage. The prescription drug plan is completely voluntary.
• Beware of mailings appearing to be government communications. This type of mail is from private companies with disclaimers buried in small print.

Starting January 1, 2026, several important updates will take effect for people with Medicare. Premiums for Medicare Part B are expected to increase, and the base premiums for prescription coverage under Part D will also rise. Additionally, Medicare will begin negotiating prices for some high-cost medications. The new annual out-of-pocket cap will limit individuals’ costs to a maximum of $2,100 per year for covered prescriptions. Individuals will have the option to use the new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows them to spread out their drug payments and will automatically renew each year.

For Medicare Advantage Plans, providers are required to keep their directories up to date, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum for in-network care will decrease slightly.

If you have questions or concerns about your Medicare coverage, MDHHS and DIFS urge you to contact MI Options by calling 800-803-7174. If you or a loved one has experienced a Medicare scam or a high-pressure sales tactic, contact DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFSComplaints or by calling 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to file a complaint.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS or follow the Department on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn.

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