Medical identity (ID) theft occurs when someone steals personal information—such as your name and Medicare number (this also includes any Medicare Advantage, Medigap or supplemental, prescription drug, or other health ID numbers)—and uses the information to bill your insurance for supplies or services you did not receive. Typical examples are medical treatment, medical equipment, prescription drugs, and surgery. Not only can medical ID theft affect your finances, but this can also endanger your care.
What Can You Do to Stop Medical Identity Theft?
Medical identity theft can take many forms and is used in many different tactics and schemes. Be cautious if anyone asks you for personal or medical information over the phone, door to door, through email, or at a health fair. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Never give out your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor, health care provider, or other trusted representative.
Protect your Medicare number as you would a credit card.
Never give out your Medicare number to anyone who contacts you through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
Understand that Medicare and Social Security already have your Medicare and Social Security number so if someone calls, emails, or texts claiming they need it, don’t give it to them. Instead, find the organization’s contact information on your own (don’t use caller ID) and call or email them directly to discuss the situation.
Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door, a facility health fair, or even at a church health event offering “free” testing, treatments, or supplies for genetic diseases, cancer, or the coronavirus.
Do not click on links from sources you don’t know, as this could put your computer or device at risk. Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer are up to date.
Be cautious when purchasing medical supplies from unverified or unknown sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations.
When you fall prey to consumer scams and give out your Medicare number, your Medicare number is considered to be “compromised” as a result of medical identity theft. If this happens, it is recommended to request a new Medicare number from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by calling 1-800 Medicare to prevent any further abuse.
To locate your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) visit:
www.smpresource.org, or call 1-877-808-2468
