Health insurance was created to ensure that individuals and families have access to necessary medical treatments and emergency care when needed. Unfortunately, it has become a target for scammers looking to make a quick payday at the expense of others.

In February of this year, Change Healthcare experienced a cyber-attack that put thousands of health care providers, insurers, and policyholders at risk. Reports indicate that up to 50% of all medical claims in the US could be compromised as a result of this breach. Imagine sitting in a waiting room with nine other people - statistically, five of you could become victims of medical identity theft within the next year. The consequences of this fraud are significant, impacting individuals' ability to receive the care they need. Once your medical information is stolen, it can be used to file false claims and obtain costly prescriptions, all charged to your account without your knowledge. It's crucial to take steps to protect your personal data and ensure that your health insurance remains secure.

It is truly alarming how many individuals are discovering that they have been impacted by this situation. Some are experiencing issues with tax or mortgage fraud, while others are facing a frustrating roadblock when trying to schedule a necessary medical procedure. Instead of receiving a surgery date, they are being handed a rejection letter from their insurance provider, stating that their benefits have already been used up on
multiple procedures this year. The catch? They did not undergo any of these procedures themselves. Their medical ID was stolen and used fraudulently. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed urgently to protect individuals from falling victim to these fraudulent actions.

And it’s not just individuals you would have to be cautious of accessing your medical information. Now you have to be wary of manipulative organizations that can exploit it for their own gain. These organizations can engage in fraudulent billing schemes, submitting false claims for medical services you never authorized or received. As a result, you could be left with a hefty bill to foot. In a recent case, 193 individuals, including 76 medical professionals, were charged for their involvement in health care fraud schemes that resulted in $2.75 billion in false billings! Medical fraud is a serious issue that we must not overlook.

How to Tell If You’ve Fallen Victim

Discovering whether your medical identity has been compromised is crucial. Below are 10 telltale signs indicating that cybercriminals may be using your medical ID:

1. Unexpected Medical Bills: If you start receiving invoices for treatments you never underwent, consider it a major cause for concern.
2. Collection Notices: Debt collectors chasing you for medical expenses you didn’t incur? This should raise alarm bells.
3. Errors in Medical Records: Uncover discrepancies in your medical records – like treatments you never received or incorrect diagnoses? It’s time to investigate further then.
4. Insurance Issues: Your health insurance claims are denied because your benefits have been maxed out or you’re told you’ve reached your coverage limit, despite not using the services.
5. Notifications From Your Insurance Provider: When your insurance provider alerts you about claims or services you didn't authorize, don't ignore it. Stay vigilant and protect your coverage.
6. Unknown Accounts: Coming across new health insurance accounts or medical records under your name that you didn’t create.
7. Inconsistencies in Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB): Your insurer’s statements contain charges for medical services you never underwent.
8. Facing Insurance Denials: Struggling to secure life or health coverage due to false medical conditions in your records.
9. Annoying Calls from Medical Providers: Dealing with constant reminders for appointments and treatments you have never received.
10. Unfamiliar Prescriptions: Receiving notices or updates about prescriptions being filled in your name that you have never authorized or received.

How To Prevent Becoming A Victim Of Medical ID Fraud?

Avoid being the next victim of medical identity theft. Take these steps to safeguard your personal information:

• Monitor for Health Care Breaches: Utilize a searchable database, such as the one provided, to stay informed about any potential compromises to your health information.
• Secure Your Records: Keep paper copies of your medical records in a secure location to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing them. Don't take any risks with your sensitive information.
• Keep an Eye on Your Medical Records: Take control of your health by regularly asking for and reviewing your medical records. Look out for any treatments or diagnoses that you don't recognize and address any discrepancies immediately.
• Check Insurance Statements: Be diligent when going through your insurance explanations of benefits statements. Report any services you didn't receive and question any charges that seem unclear or unfamiliar. Don't hesitate to contact your insurer if you spot any questionable charges. Remember to report any billing errors to the credit bureaus at IdentityTheft.gov for further protection.
• Always remember to remove prescription labels: Believe it or not, these labels can hold valuable information that someone could use to steal your identity. So please, remove these labels when you are done with the bottle.
• Monitor Your Credit: Keep a close watch on your credit by obtaining your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. By monitoring for any suspicious activity, you can protect yourself from potential identity theft.

Thankfully, health care will always be around. But it will also always be a target for hackers. Which makes it crucial to take proactive measures to protect your personal information. Our FREE Dark Web Scan can help identify any potential risks to your data and quickly determine if your information has been compromised. Stay one step ahead of cyber threats and safeguard your health information by booking your Dark Web Scan TODAY. Contact us at 602 703-4803 or click On the Get Quote Button to get started. Don't wait until it's too late! Stay vigilant and protect your personal health information from falling into the wrong hands.