Mississippi Medicare Open Enrollment begins; Officials urge caution against scams
JACKSON, Miss. — The annual open enrollment period for Medicare begins this week, prompting state officials to encourage Mississippians to review their health and prescription drug plans and be vigilant against potential fraud.
The enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, beneficiaries can change their Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. While the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) does not regulate Medicare, it provides guidance to residents navigating the process.
Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney noted that changes in the market could affect many Mississippians’ current plans.
“Many carriers are updating their plans or leaving certain areas due to rising costs and new federal rules,” Chaney said. “If your plan is affected, don’t worry—you’ll be eligible for a special enrollment period to choose a new plan that works for you. Mississippi has many options for Medicare with nearly 100 providers in the market.”
How to Avoid Common Medicare Scams
Officials are warning consumers to be cautious of unsolicited contact regarding Medicare coverage and to work only with state-licensed insurance agents. The MID provides the following tips to protect yourself from scams:
- Verify Your Agent: Always confirm that an agent is licensed by calling the Mississippi Insurance Department at 601-359-2012. You can also find a list of local Medicare agents and brokers at Medicaresupp.org.
- Beware of Cold Calls: Agents are not permitted to make unsolicited contact, including door-to-door visits, cold calls, or approaching you in public spaces.
- Set Appointments: Sales visits require a prior appointment, and the agent must agree on the type of product to be discussed beforehand. They cannot attempt to sell non-health-related products during a Medicare presentation.
- Protect Personal Information: Never give your Social Security number, banking information, or credit card details to an unverified agent. Payments for plans should be made directly to the insurance carrier via a bill, not online to an agent.
Resources for Assistance
For personalized help and official information, residents can use the following resources:
- Official Medicare Website: Visit Medicare.gov for comprehensive information.
- State Counseling (SHIP): Contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for free, personalized counseling at 1-844-822-4622.
- Medicare Hotline: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for direct assistance.
- MID Guidance: More information on choosing a plan is available on the Mississippi Insurance Department website.
