The New Identify Theft - Medical Fraud

Identity theft is a very big problem and growing larger daily. Most people are concerned about credit card theft and use of debit cards. However there is an even bigger problem; medical-related fraud.

Any type of identity theft usually ruins your credit rating and makes you liable for large bills that you didn't create. You get caught up in a web of false information that will plague you financially and medically for years to come.

Medical theft causes even more problems. If someone steals your medial insurance cards and goes to the doctor or hospital, receives services, maybe even surgery, they have created a huge problem for you.

One: You don't find out until later, usually when the bill gets turned over to collection agency that you own a huge hospital and/or doctor bill.

Two: Your credit report takes a devastating hit.

Three: Your medical history is now altered; this can affect future insurance premiums.

Four: Whatever procedure, or diagnosis they received are now part of your medical history.

Five: Your insurance benefits may be maxed out, meaning that when you need medical care or surgery you may find that you are uninsured.

Six: You may experience being refused insurance because of pre-existing conditions you don't have

Seven: You may at risk for inaccurate treatments because another person's allergies, and medications may be listed on your medical records.

How to Defend Yourself:

The best way to defend yourself is do take steps to prevent medical identity theft in the first place. Take care of your insurance card. Guard it the same as you do your identification card, credit and debit cards Examine every Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements that you get. Verify that each doctor and test are ones that you actually received. Also since the thief may use a false address be sure to ask for a summary of your EOB's at the end of each year. Check your credit reports regularly Stay away from free health fairs or screenings, if they ask for your insurance information.

What to Do If Suspect a Crime:

Act Fast Request a copy of your medical records-even if you have to pay for them Do not mention the possibility of Fraud to your doctor. If it gets put on the record that your information is mixed up with another person's information, privacy law will come into play. This means that your records will be kept confidential, even to you. If you confirm fraud tell the authorities. Call 1-877-IDTHEFT to report the situation.

In summary, guard your insurance information carefully, treat Identity Theft as seriously as it is.

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