Medicare Part D
Medicare Scams Spike Before Dec. 7 — Duluth Tips for 2026
DULUTH, Minn. — Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and along with the usual mailers and TV ads comes something less welcome: a sharp rise in scam calls, texts, and door knocks aimed at people on Medicare. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), the federally funded fraud-prevention program, sees complaint volume climb every fall as bad actors try to blend in with legitimate outreach.
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Key takeaways
- Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.
- The Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027, and scammers may twist this real change to sound official.
- There is no real requirement to "activate" the new cap, "re-verify" your Medicare number, or pay a fee to join a payment plan, so any caller asking for these is a red flag.
- You can get personalized help through Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP counselor instead of trusting an unsolicited caller.
Duluth seniors, take note: scam calls are surging this fall
The stakes are higher this fall. With the Part D out-of-pocket cap rising to $2,400 in 2027 and other program changes making headlines, scammers have fresh material to sound "official." Here's how to tell real Medicare from a con — and what to do if something feels off.
By the numbers
Medicare Part B premium, 2006–2026
The standard monthly Part B premium has climbed from $88.50 in 2006 to $202.90 in 2026. Hover any point for that year’s premium.
Source: CMS. Standard premium shown; in some hold-harmless years many existing enrollees paid less. Confirm at Medicare.gov.
By the numbers
How people get Medicare in St. Louis County
(MA penetration in St. Louis County)
MA penetration from CMS enrollment data; Medigap share is an estimate. U.S. average is about 54% Medicare Advantage. These are area-level figures, not plan-specific.
What's actually changing for 2027 (so you can spot the fakes)
Legitimate news you may hear during enrollment:
- Part D out-of-pocket cap: $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027.
- Part D maximum deductible: $615 in 2026 ($700 in 2027).
- Coverage gap ("donut hole"): eliminated as of 2025; Part D now has three phases.
- Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: an optional way to spread drug costs across the year in monthly payments.
- IRMAA: higher-income surcharges start above $109,000 for a single filer in 2026.
Scammers often twist these real facts. If a caller says you must "activate" your new out-of-pocket cap, "re-verify" your Medicare number to keep coverage, or pay a fee to join the payment plan — that's a red flag. None of those steps exist.
The scams showing up in the Northland right now
Duluth is in St. Louis County, where Medicare beneficiaries have a wide range of plan options each fall — and that competition is exactly what scammers exploit. Common tactics SMP and Medicare.gov are flagging this season:
- "New Medicare card" calls. There is no new plastic or chip card being issued. Anyone asking you to confirm your Medicare number to receive one is phishing.
- Fake plan "agents" at the door. Licensed agents are not allowed to show up uninvited. Door-to-door Medicare sales pitches violate CMS marketing rules.
- Pressure to switch "today." Real enrollment decisions can be made anytime between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. Urgency is a manipulation tactic.
- Free braces, genetic tests, or diabetic supplies in exchange for your Medicare number. These often lead to fraudulent billing in your name.
- Robocalls citing the Part D out-of-pocket cap or the payment plan as a reason you need to "re-enroll." You don't.
Simple rules that stop most scams
- Guard your Medicare number like a credit card. Give it only to your doctor, pharmacist, or 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Hang up on cold callers claiming to be from Medicare. Medicare does not call, text, or email you to sell plans or verify your number.
- Never pay a fee to enroll, keep coverage, or get a "new" card.
- Check your Medicare Summary Notice or MyMedicare.gov account monthly for charges you don't recognize.
- Write down the caller's name, number, and what they said before you report it — it helps investigators.
Where to get real help in Duluth
You do not have to sort this out alone, and you should never rely on a stranger who called you.
- Minnesota SHIP (called the Senior LinkAge Line): 1-800-333-2433. Free, unbiased counseling on Medicare choices.
- Minnesota Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): 1-800-333-2433. Trained to investigate suspected Medicare fraud and errors.
- Medicare directly: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24/7.
- Online: Medicare.gov's Plan Finder lets you compare options in your ZIP code without giving your number to a salesperson.
Local libraries and senior centers in Duluth often host SHIP counselors during AEP. Calling ahead for an appointment is worth the effort.
Try it
How the 2026 Part D drug cap works
Slide to your estimated yearly prescription costs and see how the new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap protects you. This illustrates the standard Part D benefit; your plan may structure costs differently.
Once your out-of-pocket spending on covered drugs reaches $2,100, you pay nothing more for the rest of 2026. Confirm details at Medicare.gov.
Explore
When can you enroll? An interactive year
Enrollment windows are federal and the same nationwide. Confirm your personal dates at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Will Medicare ever call me to update my information?
Someone told me my plan is ending and I need to pick a new one by tomorrow. True?
I already gave my Medicare number to a stranger. What now?
- CMS — Medicare Part D program rules (medicare.gov)
For personalized answers, contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local SHIP.