Medical ID Self-Defense

The person on the phone who called to talk to you about your insurance seems like a legitimate representative. After all, they have some of your personal information. But, are they really on the up and up? It seems like we’re hearing about major identity security breaches every week. Each time someone comes up with a better way to guard against infiltration, the thieves quickly find a way around it. It has even spread to the healthcare industry.
 

One example is Medicare, which is in the process of switching out the current ID cards for new ones that contain an 11-digit code instead of a Social Security number. Unfortunately, even though Medicare hasn’t issued all the cards yet, scammers are taking advantage of this change.
 

Criminals are phoning unsuspecting people and posing as Medicare representatives. They either ask for payment in exchange for the updated cards or claim to need the victim's medical information in order to send out their new card. However, this is false information. The new cards are free and will be mailed automatically.
In other variations, a caller will insist that the victim must purchase Medicare's prescription drug coverage or risk losing all coverage. Or, the caller asks for the victim's checking account number and Social Security number to deposit a supposed refund from their insurer. This last scam is one that is perpetrated on other victims, not just Medicare members. Neither of these claims are true.
 

Once the scammer has the victim's medical information, they can:
 

• Pose as the victim to see a doctor.
   

• Obtain prescriptions.
   

• File a false health claim.

Here are more details from Mountain America Credit Union regarding medical identity theft:
 

1. The cost to the victims is substantial
   The average individual medical identity theft costs $13,500 to fix. However, the effects can ripple throughout other areas of life and home, such as:
    

   • Loss of health coverage. Scammers may max out your benefit limits, leaving you with no coverage.

   
   

   • Ruined credit history. This kind of theft can destroy your credit history by racking up unpaid hospital bills in your name.

   
   

   • False medical records. When the scammer receives treatment in your name, it's documented on your medical records. This can be extremely dangerous when you seek medical attention in the future.

   
   

   • Higher premiums. The scammer's medical activity may cause your premiums to rise.
      

2. How to prevent medical scams
   Be proactive to avoid this type of identity theft. Here are several tips to help you spot a scammer:

    

   • Medicare will never call you. They always contact members via mail.

   
   

   • Be wary of suspicious-looking bills from third-party providers. If you receive any, alert your insurer immediately.

   
   

   • Study your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and notify your provider if you spot treatments you don't remember receiving.

   
   

   • Check your medical records regularly for suspicious doctor visits, prescriptions or maladies.

   
   

   • Review your credit history often. If you see unfamiliar charges, immediately ask for a fraud alert and place a freeze on your credit.
      

3. Fixing your medical history
   If you spot an error on your medical records, it's crucial to correct it so it doesn't affect future medical treatment. Send a copy of the documents detailing the discrepancy to every medical professional and facility involved in your care.
    

4. Fighting back
   If you've been victimized by medical identity theft, be sure to report it!
    

   • Alert the FTC using their website at ftc.gov, or at 1-877-438-4338.

   
   

   • If you are a member of Medicare, call 800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov. Alternately, report the scam to your own insurance provider.
      

Mountain America takes the security of your personal information very seriously. We help our members in three different ways:
 

• ID Protect—an affordable, comprehensive personal ID protection service for your bank account.
   

• Fraud prevention—includes a dedicated fraud team that vigilantly searches for signs of compromise and provides guidance if you become a victim of fraud. We also offer a list of proactive steps to help prevent fraud on your accounts.
   

• Online security—a layered defense system that includes biometric login, security questions for online or mobile transfers and courtesy calls if fraud is suspected. Features like Card Manager and Alerts and Notifications will help you to monitor the activity on your account.