BBB warns consumers to exercise caution when speaking with Medicare representatives who attempt to sell plans over the phone or at your door. Do not provide your personal information to anyone other than doctors, providers, plans approved by Medicare, or people who work with Medicare.
Do not provide your credit card or banking information over the phone unless you are currently a member of that plan. Generally, Medicare plans are unable to call you to enroll in a plan. You make the call. If you are contacted by someone requesting personal information over the phone or to enroll in a plan, call 1-800-MEDICARE. With Medicare calls and visits on the rise, keep these deadlines in mind: October 2009 - Compare coverage options; November 15th-December 31st 2009 – Stay with your current plan or switch; January 2010 – New/Existing Costs and coverage begin.