Medicare is warning seniors and caregivers about a growing scam involving fraudulent hospice enrollment. Scammers may pose as salespeople, healthcare workers, or community helpers offering so-called “free” services or gifts. Their real goal is to trick you into signing up for hospice care without your knowledge—so they can illegally bill Medicare under your name.
Here’s how the scam works:
- Scammers may call, text, email, post fake ads, or even knock on your door.
- They offer “free” perks like groceries, cleaning or cooking services, protein shakes, or medical supplies.
- In exchange, they ask for your Medicare Number and may ask you to sign paperwork you don’t fully understand.
- You could unknowingly be enrolled in hospice care—potentially losing access to other Medicare benefits while the scammer collects fraudulent payments.
Protect Yourself:
- Never share your Medicare Number with someone offering gifts or services in exchange.
- Don’t sign anything unless you fully understand what you’re agreeing to.
Watch this short Medicare video from Dr. Oz to learn more:
Medicare Fraud Prevention Video
If you suspect Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report it at Medicare.gov/fraud.
Together, we can crush fraud.
