How do the Medicare Advantage plan call centers get my number? How can I stop them from calling me?
Answered by 1 licensed agent
Most Medicare Advantage call centers do not get your phone number directly from Medicare.
Often, the number came from a website, online ad, postcard response, quote request or other form where you entered your information and gave permission to be contacted. Some of those companies are marketing organizations that connect consumers with licensed insurance agents.
CMS — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees Medicare — has tightened these rules. Your information generally cannot be passed from one Medicare marketing company to another without your specific written permission. Medicare plan representatives also are not supposed to make unsolicited sales calls unless you are already a plan member or have given permission to contact you.
If you want the calls to stop, tell the caller clearly: “I am revoking my permission to be contacted. Put me on your do-not-call list.”
You can also register your phone number for free at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. The FTC says it can take up to 31 days for legitimate sales calls to stop. It will not stop every scam call, because scammers may ignore the law or disguise the number they are calling from.
If someone claims to represent Medicare, asks for your Medicare number or personal information, and you did not ask them to call, do not provide it. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
One of the best ways to reduce these calls is to be careful where you enter your phone number online. A form that looks like a simple request for “Medicare benefits” may actually be permission for someone to contact you about insurance plans.
Often, the number came from a website, online ad, postcard response, quote request or other form where you entered your information and gave permission to be contacted. Some of those companies are marketing organizations that connect consumers with licensed insurance agents.
CMS — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees Medicare — has tightened these rules. Your information generally cannot be passed from one Medicare marketing company to another without your specific written permission. Medicare plan representatives also are not supposed to make unsolicited sales calls unless you are already a plan member or have given permission to contact you.
If you want the calls to stop, tell the caller clearly: “I am revoking my permission to be contacted. Put me on your do-not-call list.”
You can also register your phone number for free at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222. The FTC says it can take up to 31 days for legitimate sales calls to stop. It will not stop every scam call, because scammers may ignore the law or disguise the number they are calling from.
If someone claims to represent Medicare, asks for your Medicare number or personal information, and you did not ask them to call, do not provide it. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
One of the best ways to reduce these calls is to be careful where you enter your phone number online. A form that looks like a simple request for “Medicare benefits” may actually be permission for someone to contact you about insurance plans.
Answered by Jeremy Harkins on September 17, 2026
Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CA & 5 other states
Tags: Advice for Seniors
Agents: Share Your Expertise
Have insights or experiences related to this topic? Help others by sharing your knowledge and answering this question.
Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own
Questions are generally answered within 1 to 3 business days. Receive valuable perspectives from multiple licensed agents and brokers.
Ask a Question