Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services and Department of Health and Human Services are warning older adults to watch for scams and high-pressure sales tactics during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. The agencies said the annual enrollment period, when seniors can review and change their health insurance and prescription drug coverage, also attracts fraudsters seeking to steal personal information or money.
DIFS Director Anita Fox said the best protection for those enrolling in Medicare is to never share information with anyone who contacts them unexpectedly by phone, mail, online, or in person. Older adults should never give their Medicare ID number to unsolicited callers, even if they claim to be from Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) does not call or visit homes, and insurance agents cannot claim their plans are endorsed by Medicare.
Unsolicited calls, postcards, or home visits requesting personal information or a Medicare number and claiming to be from Medicare are scams, according to the agencies. Because scammers can make calls appear to come from recognized government agencies or businesses, caller ID is not a reliable verification method. The agencies recommend verification through a direct call to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Several important changes to Medicare took effect January 1, 2026. Part B premiums increased and Part D prescription drug coverage premiums rose. Medicare also began using negotiated prices for several high-cost medications, reducing costs for beneficiaries. A new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allows enrollees to spread prescription drug costs through monthly payments, with automatic annual renewal unless the enrollee opts out. For Medicare Advantage plans, annual out-of-pocket maximums decreased slightly.
Michiganders seeking help navigating Medicare enrollment can call MI Options at 800-803-7174 to speak with a certified counselor at no cost. Those who suspect they have been targeted by a scammer can report it to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the Michigan Senior Medicare Patrol at 844-677-6424.