Open Enrollment runs until December 7. Skip the ads.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. It's the yearly window to review your Medicare health and drug plans for next year.

Scams pick up during this time. The FTC warns that scammers sometimes pay to show up at the top of search results. Their sites can use look-alike web addresses and official-looking logos.

Five calm steps

Pause

1. Take your time. You have until December 7. If your current plan still fits your needs, you may not need to change anything.

Check

2. Go straight to the source. For Medicare, that's Medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE).
3. Look for small "Ad" or "Sponsored" labels in search results. Scroll past them.
4. Check that the web address ends in .gov.

Choose

5. Get help comparing plans if you want it. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. Find yours at shiphelp.org. Your local Senior Medicare Patrol can help too.

Something seem off? Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it involves Medicare, report it at Medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227.