Bluff Park, Alabama Forum - Jefferson Watch: Health Care Fraud

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Jefferson Watch: Health Care Fraud
10/09/10 at 9:34am

Health Care Fraud
Message:

In the 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report, identity theft victims this year are reporting a new twist as identity thieves stole their health insurance information along with other personal data.
Health care fraud is just one of the new areas of identity theft being committed in the wake of the global economic downturn and high unemployment rates. The number of identity fraud victims in the United States increased by 12 percent, to 11.1 million adults in 2009, whiles the total annual fraud amount increased by 12.5 percent, to $54 billion.

What is it? Health insurance identity theft occurs when someone impersonates someone else at a hospital or doctor’s office — using a stolen health insurance card or account number or even just personal information like a Social Security number or driver’s license – to get health care coverage for surgery or other treatment. Most people learn they are victims of such fraud when they get a medical bill or a notice from their health insurance company after the fact.

How can this happen? Medical providers often will trust that patients without an insurance card are who they say they are - if they have other proof, like a driver’s license. Problem is the driver’s licenses are being spoofed so the offender can pull this off without question.

What to do? Be aware of phone calls from official sounding but nonexistent organizations that start with “you must first authenticate your account”. Next the callers request such information as - your date of birth, social security number, address and credit card number to confirm there records.

If you find yourself the victim of such fraud, it is recommended that you:
File a police report first and then contact the medical provider and your insurance company in writing. Spell out in detail how you were billed for services that weren’t provided for you and include a copy of the police report.

“Keeping Neighborhoods and Communities Safe”

Mike Hale
Sheriff of Jefferson County

email: sheriff@jeffcosheriff.org
web-site: www.jeffcosheriff.net

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