Medicare is a massive system—spending over $900 billion a year (DOJ) —which unfortunately makes it a prime target for fraud. With so much money in motion and so many beneficiaries navigating a complex set of rules and plans, it’s no wonder scammers are looking for a piece of the pie.
According to the Department of Justice, Medicare fraud and scams cost the United States over $1.6 billion in 2024 alone.
But the damage isn’t just financial.
Medicare scams don’t just steal from the government—they steal time, money, health, and peace of mind from the people who rely on Medicare the most: seniors and those with disabilities.
What Is a Medicare Scam?
A Medicare scam is when someone pretends to represent Medicare—or another trusted source, and tricks you into giving up your Medicare claim number or Social Security number and then commits identity theft.
And unlike a credit card, your Medicare number doesn’t trigger an alert when used—you might not find out for months. That’s why it’s critical to monitor your Medicare Summary of Benefits Statements and act quickly if something looks off.
Let’s say a scammer or shady home health company gets a hold of your Medicare number and starts billing Medicare for repeated physical therapy visits that you never received. Are you aware that Medicare often pays for a certain number of covered visits of therapy hours in a year?
If these bills are fraudulently billed in your name, Medicare has in their system that you have received these services and that these benefits are “used up.”
Now let’s pretend that you’ve just had a knee replacement and are about to start rehab. Medicare could deny coverage or force delays because their records show that this benefit has already been exhausted.
An appeal could take weeks, which means paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for your rehabilitation while you wait. However, many seniors live on a fixed income and don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, so their only option is to forgo rehab altogether. Delaying physical therapy could cause your recovery to suffer, possibly leading to permanent mobility issues.
Medicare scams affect more than just the Medicare system and our taxes; they affect the beneficiaries finances and health as well.
Top Medicare Scams to Watch Out For
These are the most common and dangerous scams affecting Medicare beneficiaries in 2025, according to Medicare.gov:
1. The “New Medicare Card” Scam
Scammers will claim there’s a new card being issued this year with a:
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Chip
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Plastic version
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Black-and-white Medicare Card
They ask you to “verify” your Medicare number to receive it. No new cards are being issued, and Medicare will NEVER randomly call you to verify your Medicare number.
2. Genetic Testing Fraud
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You may be offered free DNA or cancer screenings—especially via telemarketing or telehealth
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It will be a “free”, “no-cost-to you” test that you will be told is covered by Medicare
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Unfortunately, it will be billed to Medicare without a treating physician and the charges for tests (thousands of dollars) that you either did not order and probably did not receive will show up on your EOB
You will also have given out your Medicare Claim number.
3. “Free” Medical Equipment Offers
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Calls, texts, or social media posts promise free back or knee braces “at no cost to you” through Medicare
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They just need your Medicare number.
These scammers will bill Medicare for unneeded or undelivered equipment. You could be liable for fraudulent claims.
4. COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination Scams
Scammers usually call:
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Claim a new “COVID Medicare card” is being issued and you need to verify your number
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Offer COVID tests or supplies in exchange for payment or personal info
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Tell you to purchase a COVID-19 vaccination card for recordkeeping
All of these are scams. Medicare will never charge for vaccination cards or require new ID for COVID services.
5. Fake Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan Switching
Scammers impersonate “Medicare advisors” and without your knowledge or consent, they may:
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Enroll you in a new plan
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Cause you to lose access to your preferred doctors or prescriptions
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Disrupt your ongoing care
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Being fraudulently switched to a different Medicare Advantage plan can cut clients off from their doctors, disrupt treatments, stop coverage of vital medications, and cause serious health setbacks
Always confirm plan changes through your trusted broker or directly with Medicare—not from an unsolicited call. Remember Medicare will NEVER just call you.
Real Consequences for Beneficiaries
When a scammer gets your Medicare number, they don’t just steal money. They can alter a person’s medical and financial future in dangerous ways:
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Use up your annual coverage limits, like therapy caps or home healthcare thresholds—leaving you to pay out-of-pocket when you need care
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Fake medical billing, such as hospice fraud, can make it appear that you’re terminal—complicating your future treatment options
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Cause long-term emotional stress, making people more hesitant to seek help or report problems
Why Having a Licensed Agent or Broker Matters
Medicare is complex – Did you know that Agents and Brokers have to test every year to be able to educate and assist you with Medicare products? There are dozens of plans, changing rules, and for beneficiaries – mountains of mail.
Having a trusted broker by your side along with a customer service team dedicated to assisting you with claims can be a huge relief, especially with Annual Open Enrollment quickly approaching. At Landmark Insurance we give you:
• A direct line to real help
• Assistance in enrolling in the plan that best suits you
• Make sure your benefits stay protected
But remember—your Medicare number is like a blank check. If a scammer gets it, they can bill in your name without you ever knowing—until the damage is already done.
Quick Advice for Medicare Beneficiaries
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Never give your Medicare number to anyone who calls you or shows up at your door uninvited
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Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) regularly
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If you see charges for services you didn’t receive—call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or your broker immediately
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If it feels suspicious, don’t engage. Call your agent or Medicare before doing anything
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If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a phone call, letter, or plan change—call your agent or broker before taking action. We’re here to help you stay informed, stay protected, and make Medicare work for you, not against you
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Click Here for the link to the Senior Medicare Patrol Website for more information on Medicare Scams
