Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is a busy time. It runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, you may get calls, letters, emails or texts about Medicare plans. Here are simple ways to protect yourself and stay safe:
Know who is calling
Be careful if you get an unexpected call from someone who says they are from Medicare. Scammers may pretend to be from Medicare to get your personal information or money. Do not share personal information with someone you do not know or trust. This includes your Medicare number, Social Security number and bank account information. Be careful if someone pressures you to make a quick decision or asks you to send money. Take your time. Ask questions.
Medicare will not call you to sell you a Medicare insurance plan.
If someone says they are calling from Medicare to sell you a plan, be careful.
Good to know: The Alliance may call or text you
You may get a call from an Alliance Medicare Specialist. If you have Medi-Cal through the Alliance and Medicare, a specialist may call you to talk about TotalCare (HMO D-SNP), the Alliance’s Medicare Advantage plan. They can explain how TotalCare works and talk with you about enrolling. Alliance Medicare Specialists work for the Alliance and are licensed insurance agents in California. They will tell you who they are when they call.
They can answer your questions about TotalCare. They can also explain how the plan works with Medicare and Medi-Cal. Not sure if the call is from the Alliance? It’s okay to hang up and call us directly at 833-530-9361. A TotalCare representative can confirm the call and answer your questions.
The Alliance also sends Medi-Cal members text messages about Medi-Cal benefits, services and other important health care topics. Alliance texts come from the short code 59849. The Alliance will never text you to ask for health information or money.
Be careful with links in emails or texts
If you do not know who sent an email or text, do not click on any links. The links may put harmful software on your phone or computer.
These simple suggestions can help keep your personal information safe from Medicare scams.
If you have any questions about TotalCare, call 833-530-9361 (TTY: 800-735-2929 (Dial 711)) to speak to a local representative.
TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California Medicaid program. Enrollment in TotalCare depends on contract renewal. TotalCare is the trade name of Central California Alliance for Health. TotalCare is a registered trademark of the Santa Cruz-Monterey-Merced-San Benito-Mariposa Managed Medical Care Commission, a California public entity, operating as Central California Alliance for Health.
