Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud This Open Enrollment Season

For Immediate Release:
October 7, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. With thousands of Oklahomans reviewing coverage options during this period, fraudulent activity often increases. The Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is urging consumers to stay alert and protect themselves from common scams.

“Every year, fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion, and staying alert is the best defense against fraud,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “Scammers step up their efforts during Open Enrollment, so always verify who you’re speaking with and don’t share personal information unless you’re sure it’s legitimate.”

Remember these tips during Medicare open enrollment:

• If your phone rings and you don’t recognize the phone number, don’t answer it. If it’s important, they will leave a message.
• Be skeptical. If you receive unexpected communications from anyone requesting personal information, selling plans or issuing new Medicare cards via text or email, don’t respond.
• Keep an eye out for marketing violations. Insurance companies cannot call or visit without your permission. Document these contacts.
• Look out for phishing emails or texts, or vishing (voice phishing). Scammers send urgent messages requesting information or ask you to click a link to steal your data.
• Never purchase your health insurance based on the perks a plan offers, such as cash cards and gym memberships. Make sure the plan you purchase lets you continue seeing the doctors and hospitals you need to see.
• Protect your Medicare card and Social Security number and only share them with doctors, pharmacies and verified Medicare channels.
• Report any scams or suspicious activity to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) by calling 800-763-2828.

To learn more about fraud, join OID and LIFE Senior Services for a free Senior Fraud Defense Workshop in Tulsa on Oct. 26. Register at oid.ok.gov/fraudworkshop.

If you have questions about other insurance issues, please contact OID at 800-522-0071 or visit our website at oid.ok.gov.

Media questions or comments should be directed to
Chief of Communications, Liz Heigle
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov | (405) 819-2221