S.R. Miller Consulting

Most people treat their Medicare card like any other insurance card.

But it’s actually one of the most valuable pieces of personal information you carry.

Your Medicare number is tied to:
✔ Your health coverage
✔ Your identity
✔ Your medical billing history

That’s why Medicare fraud often starts with someone simply getting access to that number.

A few simple habits can protect you:

• Don’t carry your card unless you need it
• Only share your number with trusted providers
• Review your Medicare Summary Notice for unfamiliar charges
• Be cautious of phone calls asking for your Medicare number

A great resource is your state's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). This organization helps 877-808-2468. This hotline helps Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report potential health care fraud, errors, and abuse at 877.808.2468.

Small steps make a big difference.

If you help a parent or loved one manage healthcare, this is worth sharing with them too.

October is when people choose their Medicare plan.
January is when they start using it.

And sometimes that’s when surprises show up:

A prescription costs more than expected

A doctor isn’t in network

Referrals or prior authorizations weren’t anticipated

That’s exactly why Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment exists, not to push people to switch, but to give them a chance to adjust if the plan they chose isn’t working in real life.

This period runs January 1 – March 31, and it’s only for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

If everything is working well, great.
If not, this window exists for a reason.

The #1 question I get during Open Enrollment: How do I know if I’m in the right plan?

A lot of people stick with the same plan year after year, until they’re surprised by higher drug costs or a new pharmacy restriction.

If you’re unsure whether your 2026 plan is still the best fit, my quick quizzes can help point you in the right direction:
🩺 [Part D Quiz link - https://forms.gle/Egae3tu3J8uSb2NHA ]
🏥 [Medicare Advantage Quiz link - https://forms.gle/hX7kKjntMPyoNrMc8 ]

And if you’d rather talk it through, I offer independent reviews.