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# Medicare Open Enrollment: Avoid Fake Plans and Unexpected Sales Calls
- URL: https://savvysilvertech.com/medicare-open-enrollment-scam-warning-2026/
- Published: 2026-10-12T13:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-12T12:59:59.000Z
- Description: Use PAUSE to avoid misleading Medicare plan calls and protect your Medicare number during Open Enrollment.
- Author: Chris Irwin
- Tags: Security Alert, Online Safety, Medicare Scam, High

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7\. It is also a busy season for misleading sales calls, fake plan offers, and people trying to collect Medicare numbers.

**You do not have to make a decision during an unexpected call.** Take your time, compare plans through trusted sources, and verify every offer independently.

### PAUSE signs during Open Enrollment

- **P — Pressure:** A salesperson says an offer expires today or you must switch immediately.
- **A — Authority or alarm:** They claim to be “from Medicare” or warn that you will lose coverage.
- **U — Unusual requests:** They ask for your Medicare number, banking information, or payment before you have chosen a plan.
- **S — Secrecy or separation:** They discourage you from checking with Medicare, your current plan, or a trusted family member.
- **E — Examine independently:** End the call and use Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to check the plan yourself.

**Safest response:** Never give your Medicare number to an unexpected caller. Use official comparison tools and take time to read the details.

[Learn all five PAUSE warning signs →](https://savvysilvertech.com/pause-before-you-act-scam-warning-signs/)

### How to shop safely

1. Start at [Medicare.gov Plan Compare](https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/?ref=savvysilvertech.com) or call **1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)**.
2. Check that your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, and preferred hospitals are covered.
3. Write down the plan name and details. Do not rely only on what a caller says.
4. Ask a trusted person or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to review the choice with you.

Open Enrollment ends December 7, and changes take effect January 1\. The deadline matters, but no legitimate representative needs you to decide during one unexpected phone call.

**Sources:** [Medicare.gov Open Enrollment](https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment?ref=savvysilvertech.com) and the [Federal Trade Commission’s older-adult health scam guidance](https://search.ftc.gov/news-events/events/2026/09/consumer-protection-older-adults-roundtable-healthcare-related-scams-during-after-open-enrollment?ref=savvysilvertech.com).