Yes, many unwanted telemarketing calls, especially during Open Enrollment (Oct-Dec), are related to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, often by unscrupulous agents or scammers impersonating Medicare to sell plans or get personal info, but real Medicare never calls you uninvited. These calls often claim you need a new card, have a limited-time offer, or that your coverage is at risk, pressuring you to share your Medicare number for "verification" or to switch plans, which is a common tactic to commit fraud.
Key Things to Know About Medicare Advantage Calls:
Medicare Doesn't Call You: The actual Medicare program (government) won't call, text, or email you out of the blue to sell you anything or ask for personal data.
MA Plans Can't Cold-Call: Private Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are generally not allowed to cold-call you unless you've given them permission.
Scams & Pressure Tactics: Expect calls about "free" benefits, expiring cards, or needing to "verify" your info to avoid coverage loss, often with urgency.
Impersonation: Scammers pretend to be Medicare or an agent to get your Medicare ID, Social Security, or bank details.
What
to Do:
Hang
Up: Don't give any info.
Block Numbers: Use call-blocking tools.
Report: File
complaints with FTC Consumer Complaints | Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Medicare.gov's fraud reporting page, or the Do Not Call Registry.
These calls peak around Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7) when people are reviewing plans, but the fraudulent calls don't stop after that, with some seniors getting dozens daily.
Many
of the unwanted telemarketer calls related to Medicare are likely scams or
from third-party brokers and agents selling Medicare Advantage plans using
aggressive tactics.
It is important to know that Original Medicare itself will never make unsolicited calls to you to sell a plan or ask for personal information. If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from "Medicare," it is almost certainly a scam.
Key Information about Medicare Calls
Official Medicare does not cold call. They will only call you if you have already contacted them first, such as leaving a message or initiating an inquiry. Official communication usually begins with a letter in the mail.
Third-party agents are permitted to call if you have provided your information online or through other means. In 2025, some marketing rules were relaxed, allowing insurers more avenues to reach out, which has increased the volume of calls and mailers.
Scammers use the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) to increase their call volume, using spoofed numbers to appear legitimate.
Illegal tactics used by some agents include promising gifts (which is prohibited for items over $15), pressuring you to enroll immediately, or claiming you're "pre-approved" for a special plan.
How to Stop the Calls and Protect Yourself
Do Not Call Registry: Register your phone number(s) with the Federal Trade Commission's National Do Not Call Registry. This is a free service that stops sales calls from legitimate businesses.
Block Numbers: Block individual numbers on your phone. While scammers often use new or spoofed numbers, blocking can still help reduce the volume.
Do Not Engage: The best defense is to not answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do answer and realize it's an unsolicited call, hang up immediately. Engaging with them can lead to more calls in the future.
Never Share Information: Never give out your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking details to anyone who calls you unexpectedly.
Report
Scams: Report unwanted calls and suspected scams to the FTC
at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to the Department of Health and Human
Services fraud hotline at 1-800-447-8477.
I can provide more detailed information on common tactics used by these callers to help you spot a scam more easily. Would you like me to outline the top 5 warning signs of a Medicare scam call you should watch out for?
https://www.google.com/search?q=are+most+telemarketer+calls+from+Medicare+Advantage+2025
The
National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive
telemarketing calls You can register your home or mobile phone for free.
After
you register, other types of organizations may still call you, such as
charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveys. To learn more, read
our FAQs.
If you received an unwanted call after your number was on the National Registry for 31 days, report it to the FTC.
Sellers
and telemarketers:
Go to https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov to access the
National Do Not Call Registry.
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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