Medicare 2026

Medicare Scams Spike Before Dec. 7 — How Anderson Can Stay Safe

ANDERSON, S.C. — With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period running through December 7, phones across Anderson County are ringing off the hook. Some of those calls are legitimate. Many are not. Federal fraud watchdogs say scam activity climbs sharply every fall, and 2025 is no exception — with new twists tied to the 2026 Part D changes that criminals are already using as bait.

Here's what to watch for, and how to shut it down fast.

Why scammers love enrollment season

Between October 15 and December 7, millions of people compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Scammers know that. They also know 2026 brings real news worth talking about — a new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap on Part D drug costs, a maximum Part D deductible of $615, and the optional Medicare Prescription Payment Plan that lets you spread drug costs across the year.

Crooks use those real headlines as a hook. They'll say they're calling to "help you get the new $2,100 benefit" or "update your Medicare card for 2026." Neither of those requires action from you. The changes are automatic for people already in Part D.

The scams making the rounds this fall

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) offices and the Federal Trade Commission are flagging several patterns this season:

• Fake "new card" calls. Someone claims Medicare is issuing new cards for 2026 and needs to "verify" your Medicare number. Medicare is not issuing new cards. Your red, white and blue card is still valid.
• Door-to-door "enrollment help." Legitimate agents cannot show up at your home uninvited. Period.
• Robocalls pushing "free" braces, genetic tests, or diabetic supplies. These often lead to fraudulent billing under your Medicare number.
• Text messages with a link to "confirm your 2026 plan." Medicare does not text you links. Do not tap them.
• High-pressure agents. Anyone who says "you have to decide today" is not looking out for you. Enrollment runs through December 7, and Medicare Advantage members get another window from January 1 to March 31 to change their mind once.
• Fake IRMAA calls. Scammers threaten seniors with the income-related surcharge (which in 2026 begins above $109,000 for a single filer) and demand payment by gift card. Medicare never asks for gift cards.

Simple rules that stop almost every scam

You don't need to memorize every scheme. A few habits do most of the work:

1. Guard your Medicare number like a credit card. Only share it with your doctor, pharmacist, insurer, or 1-800-MEDICARE. 2. Hang up on unsolicited calls about Medicare, even if caller ID looks official. Numbers are easily spoofed. 3. Never pay for enrollment help. Licensed agents are paid by the plan, not by you. SHIP counselors are free. 4. Read every Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits. If you see a service you didn't get, report it. 5. Slow down. No legitimate Medicare decision has to be made in the next five minutes.

What Anderson-area shoppers should know about local choices

Anderson is in Anderson County, where a range of Medicare Advantage and stand-alone Part D plans are offered each year by multiple carriers. Plan lineups and star ratings change annually, which is exactly why fall is a good time to review your coverage on your own terms — not because a stranger called and pushed you.

You can see every plan available in your ZIP code, side by side, at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. That's the official tool, and it's free.

Where to get real help — and where to report fraud

If something feels off, it probably is. Trusted places to turn:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) — 24/7 for questions or to report suspicious activity.
• South Carolina SHIP (I-CARE) — free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. Call 1-800-868-9095.
• South Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) — specializes in Medicare fraud. Call 1-800-868-9095.
• Medicare.gov — the only official Medicare website.