Medicare 2026

Medicare Scams Are Spiking Before Dec. 7 — How to Spot Them

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period running through December 7, phones across the Valley are ringing off the hook — and not all of those callers are who they say they are. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) says fraud reports climb every fall as scammers use the enrollment rush to pressure older adults into handing over their Medicare numbers, bank details, or a "yes" they never meant to give.

Here's what Scottsdale readers should watch for this season, and how to shut a scam down before it costs you.

Why enrollment season is prime time for fraud

Between October 15 and December 7, legitimate marketing is everywhere — TV ads, mailers, robocalls, celebrity pitches. Scammers hide inside that noise. They know you're expecting Medicare-related contact, so a caller claiming to be from "Medicare" or "your plan's benefits department" doesn't sound out of place.

Scottsdale sits in Maricopa County, where dozens of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered — a big menu that scammers exploit by promising to "sort it all out for you" if you'll just verify a few details.

The rule to remember: Medicare will not call, text, or show up at your door to sell you anything or to ask for your Medicare number.

The scams making the rounds right now

The "new Medicare card" call. A caller says a new card is being mailed because of 2027 changes and needs to "verify" your Medicare number. There is no new card tied to 2027 updates. Hang up.

The $2,100 drug-cap bait. 2026 does bring a real change — Part D out-of-pocket drug costs are now capped at $2,100 a year, with a maximum deductible of $615, and the old "donut hole" is gone. Scammers twist these real facts into a hook: "You qualify for the new $2,100 program — I just need your bank info to enroll you." The cap is automatic. Nobody needs your bank account to give it to you.

Fake "Medicare advisors" at your door. Arizona has seen a rise in door-to-door pitches, sometimes with fake ID badges. Under CMS rules, agents are not allowed to show up uninvited to sell you a plan.

Free gift, free meal, free screening. If a "health fair" or "free genetic test" asks for your Medicare number at the door, walk away. Your number is as sensitive as a Social Security number.

The Prescription Payment Plan mix-up. The new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread drug costs across the year. It's real and it's free to opt into through your Part D plan. Scammers are charging "enrollment fees" for it. Don't pay anyone to sign you up.

Red flags in 10 seconds or less

• Pressure to decide today or "lose your benefits."
• Requests for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank info.
• Someone who already claims to know your Medicare number and just wants you to "confirm" it.
• Promises of extra benefits, cash cards, or rebates in exchange for switching plans.
• Any mention that Medicare "sent them."

Real licensed agents will give you their name, the carrier they represent, and a scope-of-appointment form before discussing plans. They won't rush you.

How to protect yourself this AEP

1. Guard your Medicare number like a credit card. Share it only with your doctor, pharmacist, or when you call Medicare directly. 2. Hang up and call back using the number on the back of your Medicare card (1-800-MEDICARE) or on Medicare.gov. 3. Check your Medicare Summary Notice or your MyMedicare.gov account for charges you don't recognize. 4. Use a trusted, unbiased source to compare plans — the Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, or Arizona's free SHIP counselors through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. 5. Report suspicious contact to the Arizona Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-432-4040. Reporting helps investigators spot patterns, even if you didn't lose money.

A quick word on IRMAA and income scams

Higher-income beneficiaries pay an income-related surcharge (IRMAA) on Part B and Part D premiums — in 2026, that starts above $109,000 for single filers. Some scammers use IRMAA notices as leverage ("I can get your surcharge removed for a fee"). Only the Social Security Administration handles IRMAA appeals, and it's free to file one.