Learn how to protect yourself from scammers. October 15: Open enrollment begins December 7: Open enrollment closes January 1: 2026 coverage begins Click here to see the original article submitted by State of Iowa Insurance Division.   Medicare Fraud on the Rise During Annual Open Enrollment   PRESS RELEASE    |    This article was submitted by State of Iowa Insurance Division   Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review and change their Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from October 15 to December 7. Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and Medicare Advantage Plan costs, benefits, drug formularies and provider networks can change each year. Comparing and evaluating options can help individuals find better coverage and even save money - but navigating options can feel overwhelming and stressful. With so many Medicare beneficiaries under pressure to make choices about their 2026 enrollment in a short period of time, scammers are ready to take advantage of their uncertainty. Medicare fraud has ballooned to an estimated $100 billion each year, which impacts the Medicare Trust Fund and funding for beneficiary services. Below are some common red flags Medicare beneficiaries can look out for to protect themselves and Medicare from scammers: [...]