Safeguard Your Medical Identity

What is medical identity (ID) theft? It 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 this affect your finances, but this can also endanger your care.
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.

When to Contact SMP Hawaii:
You gave out your Medicare number:

• Over the phone or internet to someone offering genetic testing, coronavirus testing or supplies, back or knee braces, etc.
• At a fair or other gathering as a check-in or to receive “free” service.
• In response to a television or radio commercial, postcard or Facebook/print ad
•  To receive more information or to sign in at a Medicare Open Enrollment event
•  To someone offering to deliver milk or other groceries to you
•  To someone claiming Medicare will cover housekeeping services
•  You were contacted by your doctor to cancel appointments since, unbeknownst to you, you were signed up for hospice care.
•  You received boxes of braces, testing kits, or other medical supplies in the mail that you did not request.
•  You were contacted by a debt collection company for a provider bill you do not owe.
•  Your Medicare and/or Medicare Advantage plan denies or limits your coverage or benefits because of a medical condition you do not have or says you already received a product or service when you did not.

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 by protecting your Medicare card 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 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.

Other Identity Theft Resources:
Compromised Medicare Number: 1-800-Medicare (633-4227)
Compromised Social Security Number: www.identitytheft.gov

SMP Hawaii is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from
Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your
concerns. SMP Hawaii’s trained volunteers help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in
the fight against health care fraud. Ask about its counseling, group presentations and related services that are free.
Visit: www.smphawaii.org or call 808-586-7281 or Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422
Email: info@smphawaii.org

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MPPG0104, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.