Protect Yourself From Medicare Phone Scams
Medicare scams are becoming more convincing, and seniors in the Wichita area are being targeted.
In June 2026, a local report described a victim who spent hours speaking with callers pretending to represent Medicare, a pharmacy and her doctors. The scammers falsely claimed that her Medicare benefits had been terminated.
These calls are designed to make you feel worried or rushed. Knowing the warning signs can help protect your Medicare coverage, identity and finances.
Be Careful With Unexpected Calls
A scammer may claim that your Medicare card has expired, your benefits are being canceled or you need to verify your information immediately.
They may already know your name, doctor or pharmacy. This can make the call sound legitimate, but it does not mean the caller can be trusted.
Caller ID is not always reliable either. Scammers can make a call appear to come from a government agency or another familiar organization.
Never Share Your Medicare Number
Treat your Medicare number the same way you would treat a Social Security or credit card number.
Do not give it to someone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, text, email or social media. Medicare advises beneficiaries not to share their Medicare number in response to an unsolicited message.
You should only provide your information to trusted healthcare professionals, insurance representatives or organizations you contacted yourself.
Watch for Common Warning Signs
Be suspicious when someone pressures you to act immediately or threatens to cancel your benefits.
Other warning signs include requests for your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank information or payment over the phone. Scammers may also offer “free” medical equipment, testing, medications or benefits in exchange for your information.
Even when something is advertised as free, Medicare may still be billed for it. Never accept medical equipment or services that you did not request or that were not ordered by your doctor.
What Should You Do During a Suspicious Call?
Do not argue with the caller or press any buttons. Simply hang up.
Call your doctor, pharmacy or insurance plan directly using a trusted number if you are concerned about something the caller said. Do not use a phone number provided during the suspicious call.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to confirm information or report suspected fraud.
Check Your Medicare Statements
Review your Medicare Summary Notices or plan statements regularly. Look for medical services, equipment or prescriptions you did not receive.
Contact your healthcare provider or plan if you see something you do not recognize. Reporting unusual charges early may help prevent additional misuse of your Medicare information.
What If You Already Shared Information?
Do not be embarrassed. Medicare scams are carefully designed to sound believable.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you believe someone may be using your Medicare number. If you shared other personal or financial information, contact your bank and report possible identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
It is also a good idea to tell a trusted family member or friend so they can help you monitor your accounts and future communications.
Stay Alert and Take Your Time
A legitimate organization should give you time to verify information.
When an unexpected caller creates fear, demands personal information or pressures you to act immediately, hang up and contact the organization yourself.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify a call can help protect your Medicare benefits and personal information.
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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