Protect yourself – medical identity theft on the rise

Medical identity theft is an uncommon but growing threat to people with health insurance. It’s a threat that could cost you your life. Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals your insurance card or other identifying information and obtains medical services in your name. This could lead to the perpetrator’s medical history getting mixed up with your own.

Some warning signs to look for are denial of coverage, unusual claims, and unexpected bills. If you are denied coverage because you’ve exhausted your funds for the year but made only a few visits to the doctor, contact your insurer. Insurers send out information about claims processed on your behalf. If you receive Explanation of Benefits statements but have not received treatment lately, contact your insurer. If you get bills or calls about procedures you’ve never received, contact your provider’s billing department immediately.

It’s hard to prevent medical identity theft because the perpetrators usually work in medical facilities with access to patient records. However, you can reduce your risk. Keep your insurance card number confidential. Don’t read your number in public and report a lost or stolen card immediately. Obtain a list of claims filed in your name each year and read any Explanation of Benefits statements carefully to make sure you received the services described. Get a copy of your records from each health provider you use to make sure there are no inaccuracies.

If you think you are a victim of medical identity theft file a claim with the Federal trade Commission (FTC) and a police report. These will help you dispute claims with insurers. Also, alert medical facilities where you think your identity was compromised, even if you haven’t been there, so they know too.