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By Mike Causey

If you’re on Medicare, you’re likely getting a barrage of mail or phone calls promising the latest and greatest ways to save on your health plans and expenses. And many of them stipulate that you need to “call right now!”

While many choices may look promising, often they’re too good to be true.

With Medicare’s annual open enrollment period now underway through Dec. 7 and the Medicare Advantage to run from Jan. 1-March 31, 2025, companies are working overtime to try to get you on their plan. While it’s important to review your plan and make sure you have the plan that’s best for you, it’s equally important to make sure you don’t get scammed.

The following three tips from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners will help you navigate Medicare annual open enrollment and Medicare Advantage open enrollment, find a plan that works best for you and spot misleading or fraudulent marketing:

• Don’t give into pressure.
  • There is no such thing as a “limited-time offer” or “special discount if you sign up right away” when it comes to those plans.
  • You don’t have to decide after a single phone call or website visit. Take your time.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask anyone calling you for their full name and contact information, company license information or a copy of the plan.
  • Remember, Medicare and Social Security will never contact you by phone to offer a health plan.
  • You don’t need to provide your Social Security number, bank account, Medicare number or credit card before you can see plan details or receive a quote for legitimate plans.
• Do your research before you commit.
  • Read the Medicare.gov breakdown to learn more about what each part of Medicare covers and the difference between Medicare, Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
  • Check with the N.C. Department of Insurance at ncdoi.gov or call 855-408-1212 to ask any questions or ensure an agent or company is licensed to provide plans for North Carolina.
  • Contact the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at the same phone number or go to ncshiip.com for help navigating your Medicare options.
  • Keep in mind that not all the benefits you hear about on TV or see on the internet may be offered in your local area.
  • Read the fine print of Medicare Advantage plans. When you hear something is “free” or “zero premium,” you need to exercise caution. While some plans may have “zero co-pays,” those could be limited to your primary care provider. If you see a lot of specialists, you may pay more out of pocket.
• Follow basic cybersecurity practices online.
  • Beware of clicking on random internet ads or pop-ups.
  • Know that some websites will change their colors or layout to look like a government site but aren’t affiliated with the government.
  • Use caution and avoid responding to unsolicited messages, texts or emails.
  • Check out best cybersecurity practices by going to gov/cybersecurity.

Mike Causey is North Carolina’s insurance commissioner.

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