Medicare Supplement

Medicare AEP in Bridgewater: what to do by December 7

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period running now through December 7, scammers are working overtime. They know older adults are fielding calls, opening mail, and comparing coverage, so a fake "Medicare agent" doesn't seem so out of place. Here's what Bridgewater residents should watch for this fall — and how to shut a scam down before it costs you.

Why scam calls surge between October and December

Every year during the fall enrollment window, the federal Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) sees a jump in complaints about fraudulent calls, texts, and door-knockers claiming to represent Medicare. The pitch usually plays on urgency: a "new 2026 benefit," a "new Medicare card," or a warning that your coverage will lapse if you don't act today.

None of that is how Medicare actually works. Medicare will not call you out of the blue to sell you a plan, verify your Social Security number, or ask for a bank account to "activate" anything.

The most common Medicare scams this season

Federal fraud investigators and SMP counselors say these are the pitches you're most likely to hear right now:

• The "new Medicare card" call. A caller says a new card is being issued for 2026 and they just need to "confirm" your Medicare number. Your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier is as sensitive as a Social Security number — never share it with an unsolicited caller.
• The fake Part D "cap" call. With the real $2,100 Part D out-of-pocket cap taking effect in 2026, expect scammers to reference it to sound legitimate, then ask for payment or personal information to "enroll you in the savings."
• The free brace, DNA test, or diabetic supply offer. These are billing-fraud schemes. Medicare gets charged for equipment you didn't need, and your number ends up on file with a scammer.
• The "I'm from Medicare" home visit. Real Medicare doesn't send agents to your door. Licensed insurance agents can meet with you, but only if you invited them in writing.
• Phony IRMAA or premium collection calls. IRMAA surcharges (which begin above $109,000 in income for single filers in 2026) are billed through Social Security or your plan — never by phone with a gift card or wire transfer.
• Look-alike websites and texts. Around AEP, fake "Medicare.gov" links spread through text and social media ads. Type medicare.gov into your browser instead of tapping a link.

Red flags to hang up on

If any of these show up in a call, text, or knock at the door, treat it as a scam:

• Pressure to "enroll today" or lose benefits.
• A request for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details.
• A promise of extra money, groceries, or a rebate for signing up.
• Payment demanded by gift card, wire, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer app.
• A caller who already claims to know your Medicare number and just wants you to "confirm" it.

What real Medicare choices in Somerset County look like

Bridgewater sits in Somerset County, where residents choose among Original Medicare (Parts A and B), stand-alone Part D drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medigap supplement policies. The number of plans available at the county level is public information on Medicare.gov's Plan Finder — a legitimate agent will walk you through those same public options, not a "special" plan that isn't listed anywhere.

Two program-level facts worth knowing as you compare in 2026:

• The Part D deductible can be no higher than $615.
• The coverage gap ("donut hole") is gone as of 2025 — Part D now has three phases, ending with catastrophic coverage once you hit the $2,100 cap.
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread drug costs across the year in monthly installments, at no extra charge.

Anyone telling you those rules are different — or that they have an exclusive version — is not being straight with you.

How to protect yourself in Bridgewater

1. Never give personal information to an unexpected caller. Hang up and call the number on the back of your Medicare card, or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). 2. Check statements every month. Look at your Medicare Summary Notice or your plan's Explanation of Benefits for services or equipment you didn't receive. 3. Get free, unbiased help. New Jersey's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free one-on-one counseling — no sales pitch. You can reach New Jersey SHIP at 1-800-792-8820. 4. Report suspected fraud. Call New Jersey's Senior Medicare Patrol at 732-777-1940 or 877-SMP-4359. You can also report scams at oig.hhs.gov or ftc.gov/complaint. 5. Slow the decision down. The enrollment window runs through December 7, and Medicare Advantage has a second window from January 1 through March 31. You have time to check.