The MA SMP Program Urges Beneficiaries to Be Alert for Deceptive Marketing During Open Enrollment

LAWRENCE, Mass., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026, giving Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to review their health and prescription drug coverage and make changes for 2027. The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program, a program of AgeSpan, Inc., is reminding beneficiaries that Open Enrollment is also a time when deceptive marketing and misleading enrollment practices escalate.

Each year, Medicare beneficiaries are inundated with advertisements, phone calls, mailers, television commercials, and online promotions promising "more benefits," "zero-dollar plans," "grocery benefits," "money back in your pocket," and much more. While many insurance agents and plans follow Medicare's marketing rules, and offer some of these benefits, ONE MUST QUALIFY. Beneficiaries should be extra cautious of anyone who uses high-pressure tactics, provides misleading or incomplete information, and/or requests personal information to influence an enrollment decision.

The MA SMP Program encourages Medicare beneficiaries to watch for warning signs of deceptive marketing, including:

• Unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be "from Medicare" and asking for a Medicare number or other personal information.
• Requests for a Medicare number outside of a trusted setting.
• Advertisements promising free or additional benefits without clearly explaining costs, eligibility requirements, or limitations.
• Pressure to enroll quickly or threats that a beneficiary could "lose benefits" by waiting.
• Claims that a particular insurance plan is "endorsed by Medicare."

"Medicare beneficiaries should never feel pressured to make an immediate decision about their healthcare coverage," said Lucilia Prates, director of the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program. "Don't rush! Take your time, ask questions, get a second opinion, and make sure you understand how this change will affect access to your doctors, prescriptions, out-of-pocket costs, and much more."

Enrolling in a plan based on misleading information can have serious consequences. Beneficiaries may discover that trusted physicians or hospitals are out of network, prescriptions are not covered, or they face unexpected out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, an improper enrollment can cause delays or denials in care.

Beneficiaries should treat their Medicare number like a credit card number and only provide it to trusted sources. They should also review their coverage every year, even if they are generally satisfied with their current plan, because costs, formularies, provider networks, and benefits can change.

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling is available through the Massachusetts SHINE Program. Beneficiaries can contact SHINE at (800) 243-4636 or through mass.gov/SHINE-program.

Anyone who believes they have experienced deceptive Medicare marketing, were enrolled in a plan without their permission, or has concerns about potential Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse can contact the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program at (800) 892-0890 or masmp.org.

About the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program

The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Program empowers Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. The MA SMP Program provides education and assistance to help beneficiaries protect their Medicare information, understand their rights, and report concerns.

Disclaimer: This publication is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $606,780 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.

SOURCE AgeSpan, Inc.