Medicare Scams Targeting Florida Seniors in 2026: How to Protect Yourself

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for Medicare fraud. The combination of a large senior population, warm weather attracting retirees from across the country, and a high concentration of healthcare providers creates fertile ground for scammers.

In 2026, the scams have gotten more sophisticated — and more convincing. I talk to clients regularly who have been targeted, and some who have been victimized. Here's what you need to know.

Medicare fraud costs the federal government an estimated $60–$100 billion per year nationally. Florida accounts for a disproportionate share of that. Scammers know that:

• Florida has one of the highest concentrations of Medicare beneficiaries in the country
• Many retirees are new to Medicare and unfamiliar with what's normal
• Seniors are more likely to answer the phone and engage with callers
• Medicare cards contain valuable personal information

The good news: once you know the playbook, these scams are much easier to spot.

This is one of the most prevalent scams in Florida. You receive a call, text, or mailer offering free back braces, knee braces, diabetic supplies, or other durable medical equipment — all you have to do is provide your Medicare number to "verify your benefits."

What actually happens: The scammer bills Medicare for equipment you never receive, or ships you cheap equipment worth far less than what they billed. Your Medicare benefits get depleted, and your personal information is now in criminal hands.

Red flag: Any unsolicited offer of "free" medical equipment in exchange for your Medicare number.

Scammers call claiming to be from Medicare, Social Security, or CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), saying your Medicare card needs to be replaced, updated, or that there's a problem with your account. They ask you to "verify" your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account information.

The truth: Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for your Medicare number or personal information. If there's a genuine issue with your account, you'll receive a letter — not a phone call.

What to do: Hang up immediately. If you're concerned, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

During Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), scammers ramp up activity dramatically. They pose as Medicare representatives, insurance agents, or plan advisors offering to "help you find the best plan." Their real goal is to collect your personal information or switch you to a plan that pays them a high commission — regardless of whether it's right for you.

How to protect yourself: Only work with licensed, independent insurance agents who are willing to show you their license number. A legitimate broker will never pressure you to decide on the spot or refuse to give you time to review plan details.

This scam exploded in recent years and is still active in 2026. Scammers set up booths at health fairs, senior centers, and even churches, offering "free" genetic testing for cancer risk, Alzheimer's, or other conditions. They collect a cheek swab and your Medicare number, then bill Medicare thousands of dollars for tests that were never ordered by your doctor — and that you may never receive results from.

Red flag: Any unsolicited offer of free genetic testing, especially at community events. Legitimate genetic testing is ordered by your physician and goes through your doctor's office.

Scammers continue to exploit telehealth by offering "free" telehealth consultations, COVID tests, or other services. They collect your Medicare number and bill for services that were never rendered or were medically unnecessary.

What to watch for: Unsolicited calls offering free telehealth visits, COVID tests, or health screenings in exchange for your Medicare number.

This one is particularly dangerous because it can result in you losing your actual coverage. A scammer posing as an insurance agent calls to "review your plan" or offers a better deal. They may switch you to a plan without your full understanding, or collect your information and use it for identity theft.

How to verify: Ask for the agent's name, license number, and the company they represent. You can verify Florida insurance licenses at the Florida Department of Financial Services website (myfloridacfo.com). A legitimate agent will welcome this.

Regardless of the specific scam, these red flags apply universally:

• Anyone asking for your Medicare number over the phone (unless you called them)
• Pressure to decide immediately or offers that "expire today"
• Requests for payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Callers who already know some of your personal information and use it to seem legitimate
• Offers that sound too good to be true — free equipment, free testing, free services
• Callers claiming to be from "Medicare" — Medicare does not make unsolicited calls

Understanding what Medicare actually does helps you spot imposters:

Medicare WILL:

• Send you letters about your coverage and benefits
• Send your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) quarterly showing claims billed in your name
• Contact you if you've initiated contact first

Medicare will NEVER:

• Call you unsolicited to ask for your Medicare number
• Ask for your Social Security number over the phone
• Offer free equipment or services in exchange for your Medicare number
• Send agents door-to-door to sell you plans

Your Medicare number is as sensitive as your Social Security number. Treat it accordingly:

1. Never give it out over the phone unless you initiated the call to a known, verified number
2. Keep your Medicare card in a safe place — you don't need to carry it daily unless you have a medical appointment
3. Review your Medicare Summary Notice every quarter for claims you don't recognize
4. Check your Medicare account at MyMedicare.gov regularly

Act quickly:

1. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report the fraud and flag your account
2. Contact the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) — Florida's SMP can be reached at 1-888-419-3456. They provide free counseling to Medicare fraud victims
3. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
4. Contact your local Social Security office if your Social Security number was compromised
5. Consider a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)

One of the best protections against Medicare scams is having a trusted, independent broker you can call when something seems off. I work with clients throughout Northeast Florida and I'm always happy to help verify whether a call, offer, or plan change is legitimate — even if it has nothing to do with your coverage through me.

If you receive a suspicious call or offer related to Medicare, feel free to reach out. There's no charge for a second opinion.

Schedule a free Medicare consultation →

William Gray is an independent Medicare broker serving Northeast Florida. He is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact Florida's Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-888-419-3456.