Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?+
Only if you made the call yourself to a number you trust — like 1-800-MEDICARE, your doctor's office, or your own insurance plan's number from the back of your card. Never give it to someone who called you, no matter how official they sound.
How can I tell if a call is really from Medicare?+
You usually can't tell from the call itself — caller ID can be faked to show "Medicare" or a government number. The safe approach: hang up, look up the official number yourself (1-800-MEDICARE), and call back. Medicare rarely calls without you contacting them first, and it will never mind you verifying.
What should I do if I already gave someone my Medicare number?+
Don't panic — act. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it, review your Medicare Summary Notices closely for the next several months, and contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (1-877-808-2468) for free help. If you also shared banking details, call your bank immediately.
Can Medicare text or email me?+
Only if you signed up for those communications yourself (for example, Medicare.gov account alerts). Medicare does not send unsolicited texts or emails asking you to click a link, verify your identity, or provide your Medicare number. Treat unexpected messages as phishing.
Are TV ads about Medicare always legitimate?+
No. Many national TV and online ads are from marketing companies, not Medicare or actual insurance plans. Some advertise benefits that don't exist in Wyoming or Utah, or connect you to out-of-state call centers. Federal rules have tightened, but misleading ads still run — check any offer against your own county's actual plans before calling.
Is it safe to give my Medicare number to my doctor's office?+
Yes — your own doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and insurers need it to bill Medicare properly. The rule of thumb: share it with providers you chose and visited, never with strangers who contacted you first.
Someone offered me a free back brace or medical equipment. Is that real?+
Almost never. "Free brace" calls are one of the most common Medicare fraud schemes — the caller bills Medicare using your number for equipment you didn't need. Real durable medical equipment starts with a prescription from your own doctor, not a phone call from a stranger.
What is the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)?+
A free, federally funded program in every state that helps Medicare beneficiaries prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud. SMP volunteers can review your statements with you and walk you through reporting. Call 1-877-808-2468 or visit smpresource.org to find your Wyoming or Utah program.
How do I check my Medicare statements for fraud?+
Review your Medicare Summary Notice (mailed quarterly for Original Medicare) or your plan's Explanation of Benefits the way you'd review a bank statement. Look for services you didn't receive, providers you don't recognize, dates you weren't seen, and duplicate charges. Unfamiliar items are worth a call to 1-800-MEDICARE — even small ones, since scammers often test with small charges first.
Do Medicare cards expire, or do I have to pay for a new one?+
No and no. Medicare cards are paper, free, and don't expire. Anyone who says you need to pay for a replacement, "activate" a new card, or upgrade to a plastic or chip card is running a scam. If your card is lost, get a free replacement at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
What if someone comes to my door about Medicare plans?+
Unannounced door-to-door Medicare marketing is against federal rules — licensed agents may only visit if you scheduled the appointment in advance and agreed to what would be discussed. You can simply not answer, or say "please mail me information" and close the door. A legitimate agent will respect that completely.
Can a licensed insurance agent legitimately call me?+
Yes, but under strict federal rules: generally only if you gave permission to be contacted — for example, you filled out a form, requested a quote, or are an existing client. Even then, a real local agent will identify themselves, never ask for banking details on a first call, and never pressure you to enroll on the spot. If you're unsure about someone claiming to be an agent, ask for their name and license number, then verify with your state insurance department.