Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
November 9, 2007

Protect Yourself From Medical ID Theft

The high cost of health care creates so many challenges, chief among them being affordability, of course.  There's another consequence you should know about: medical identity theft. 

This kind of identity theft is one in which someone uses your name and health insurance without your knowledge or consent to obtain medical treatment, prescription drugs or goods, and some experts say it's on the rise. 

Medical ID theft could mean stolen health insurance cards or pharmacy cards, or other identification that can be used to obtain health care. It puts at risk both your finances and your health. The thief can ring up hefty bills before you become aware of it. And, the act of someone else receiving treatment under your name means your medical records will feature faulty information. You won't have the same allergies and medical needs as the thief, and mixing the information is dangerous.

The General Assembly has strengthened laws to fight identify theft in recent years. Businesses, government agencies, and other organizations that store computerized personal data must now notify affected residents when a breach of their system's security has occurred and causes loss or injury. Businesses and organizations cannot require Social Security numbers to access goods or services, and they can't transmit Social Security numbers over the Internet unless the connection is secure or the information is encrypted. Also, Pennsylvanians applying for various licenses or certification are able to use alternatives to Social Security numbers. 

But even the best laws can only do so much. There are simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of medical ID theft. This is especially necessary for senior citizens, who can end up with several medical ID cards. Medicare cards alone are considered quite valuable by thieves.  

The best tip is to treat your medical ID card as if it were your credit card.  If it's lost, tell your health care provider right away. It's the same with your records. If something odd shows up, contact your insurer immediately.   

If your health plan gives you the option to monitor your benefits online, take advantage of it. This allows you to keep tabs on your health benefits in much the same way can for financial transactions in your bank account. 

Be especially wary of "free" medical services. Scammers sometimes use the lure of free services to obtain patient names and insurance information for use in submitting fraudulent claims. It's not a good sign if the staff at a "free" health care provider's site asks to see your insurance card. 

Don't give your insurance information to telephone marketers or door-to-door solicitors. And, while it may seem a bit overprotective, it's smart to make sure you aren't overheard or spied on when giving sensitive information to medical staff. 

Medical identity cards are a valuable piece of our health care system. When used properly, they aid efficiency and accuracy, reducing paperwork and the chance of errors. But, thieves find them valuable, too. Please treat your medical ID card like a credit card, so we can fight back in the latest front of identify theft.