subject: Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud And Identify Theft [print this page] Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses a person's name and insurance information without their knowledge or consent to obtain medical services or goods. Medicare fraud is when an individual or corporation tries to collect Medicare health care reimbursement under false pretenses. There are ways that you can protect yourself from both.
Impact of Medical Identity Theft
The fact is that we are all vulnerable. And while identity theft in general is believed to be on the rise, with medical identity theft you have more to lose than just your confidential information. Losing medical information to an unscrupulous thief puts your health at risk as well.
While identity theft isnt the exclusive problem of Medicare beneficiaries, says Alan Weinstock, insurance broker at http://www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com, it is a growing concern because it can be easier for thieves to target seniors especially when the information they want name and social security number -- is readily available on their victims Medicare card.
However, there is a bigger problem. Yes, these thefts can cost the victims money. But more importantly it puts them at risk of physical harm because inaccurate medical information, such as blood type and medications, may end up recorded in their patient records.
Medicare Fraud is Equally a Big Problem
Too many people think it wont happen to them. However, according to figures from the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, Medicare and Medicaid lose an estimated $60 billion or more annually to fraud. And from 2000 to 2007 the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) paid 478,500 claims totaling up to $92 million to dead physicians.
A recent report from KMJ Talk Radio in Fresno, California, indicated that a 57-year-old Fresno woman is facing a decade in state prison after being found guilty of Medicare fraud. She targeted low-income seniors telling them they needed to purchase expensive powered wheelchairs and Medicare would foot the bill. Instead she turned over the patients' insurance information to an equally fraudulent Los Angeles clinic for bogus wheelchair orders in exchange for a cut of the profits.
Protect Yourself against Fraud and Identity Theft
Its up to each person to protect themselves against Medicare fraud and identity theft. Heres how you can do it:
Protect your Medicare number by keeping your card in a safe place. Share it only with your medical provider. For more tips on preventing Medicare identity theft, check out this tip sheet provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Closely monitor your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) sent by your health insurer. It describes the services you have received and what is and isnt covered under your plan. Notify your provider if anything looks out of place.
Request a copy of your medical files from each health care provider and review them for errors. Be sure to report incorrect information immediately.
Monitor your credit report to see if there are any unpaid accounts that might have been created by someone other than you.
Its important to be aware of the information contained in your medical and financial records, says Weinstock. Thats the best way to protect yourself from Medicare fraud and identity theft.
