Does Medicare Call You at Home? (2026 Guide to Real vs. Scam Calls)

Short version: Most calls claiming to be “Medicare” are junk. But does Medicare call you at home ever? Sometimes—in limited situations, usually after you’ve contacted them or when a contractor is following up on something you already received in the mail. Everything else? Treat as suspect.

Quick Answer: Does Medicare Call You at Home?

• Yes, but rarely. Medicare (or someone working on Medicare’s behalf) may call you in limited situations—for example, returning your call, following up on a report you filed, or a contractor conducting approved outreach you were notified about by mail.
• No, to sales pitches. Medicare doesn’t call out of the blue to sell you anything, ask for your Medicare or Social Security number, or pressure you to switch plans. Hang up.

Want the big picture on how IRMAA and premiums work? See the IRMAA Hub (2026 Guide) and Medicare Changes.

When a Call Can Be Legit

Here are the few times a call might be real:

• You called first. An agent is returning your call to 1-800-MEDICARE or responding to a message you left.
• You reported fraud or asked for help. Medicare or a partner may follow up.
• Pre-noticed outreach. Certain research or program contractors can call—but typically after you receive a letter explaining who they are, what they’ll ask, and how to verify them. (If there’s no letter, be skeptical.)

Rule of thumb: If you didn’t start the conversation, don’t share information. Call back using the number on your Medicare card (1-800-MEDICARE) to confirm.

Red Flags: Common Medicare Phone Scams

If you hear any of these, hang up:

• “We’re issuing a new or plastic Medicare card—read me your number.” (Nope.)
• “You’re owed a refund—I just need your bank or Medicare number.” (Nope.)
• “We’ll send you free braces/testing/supplies—just confirm your Medicare number.” (Classic DME/genetic testing scam.)
• “Your coverage is expiring—decide now or lose benefits.” (Pressure & urgency are scam tells.)

What To Do If You Answer by Accident

1. Don’t confirm anything (not even your name).
2. Hang up—don’t argue.
3. Call back safely using the number on your Medicare card (1-800-MEDICARE) to check if anything is needed.
4. Report it: Medicare, FCC, or your state SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol).
5. Watch your statements for bogus charges. Here’s how to spot and report fraud on Medicare.gov.

New to plan notices? Read How to Read Your Medicare ANOC and Medicare ANOC Red Flags.

Are “Medicare Surveys” Real?

Sometimes. Some research entities working with Medicare can call—but they don’t cold-call for sensitive info, and you’ll typically get a letter first telling you what to expect and how to verify the caller. If there’s no letter, it’s safer to decline and call Medicare directly to ask if the survey is legit.

How Brokers, Plans, and Doctors Fit Into This

• If you asked an agent/broker or plan for information, they may call you back.
• If you didn’t request contact and you’re getting pressure to switch plans or share data, that’s a no.
• When in doubt, hang up and call the number on your card or the plan’s member services number printed on your ID card.

Before picking a new doctor or plan, use our Medicare Provider Search Guide and skim Medicare Mistakes to Avoid.

Your Simple “Does Medicare Call You at Home?” Checklist

• Unsolicited call asking for personal info? Hang up.
• Sales pitch, “new card,” “refund,” or “act now”? Scam.
• Think it might be real? Call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to verify.
• Report it and keep an eye on your statements.

Final Thoughts

Scammers are getting better at sounding official—and spoofed caller ID makes it look like Medicare is calling. Your best defense is control: don’t engage, call back on a verified number, and keep your Medicare and Social Security numbers locked down. If you’re unsure, trust your gut and hang up. Then use our Medicare Help Lines to report it and get real help fast.