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Jun 30, 2008 -- Medicare leaving you open to risk of ID theft?
A recent caller took Clark to task for telling seniors not to carry their Social Security cards around. This disgruntled listener complained that seniors have to carry their Medicare cards, which contain their Social Security numbers.
For the record, Clark believes seniors shouldn't routinely carry their Medicare cards -- unless they know they have a doctor's appointment on a given day.
Years ago, the government ordered private insurers to start using MRNs (medical record numbers) instead of Social Security numbers to minimize the risk of ID theft. The insurers kicked and screamed, but they ultimately complied.
Now, behind the scenes, the government is trying to force Medicare to do the same. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the Social Security Administration itself is trying to pressure Medicare -- and they're not complying.
Seniors are prime targets for ID thieves because they're the ones with all the assets. 31 states have laws that prohibit or restrict the display of your Social Security number. Why don't the arrogant folks at Medicare care? Why must they aid and abet the ID thieves?
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
What happens if you end up in an emergency room without your medicare card and that is your only insurance? I have heard about horrendus hassles getting treatment without insurance ID.
Amen! You or Newt G. need to do a national poll of seniors about this. I just turned 65 and all the medical places where I had previously refused to leave my SS#, now get it. This is inexcusable.
SSNs and Medicare #s
Just exactly why do the credit bureaus insist on having SSNs for "identification" purposes when they can ID a person using birthdates, addresses and employers? What a bunch of hokum. Sure, SSNs make it easier for them, but it also makes it easier to steal identities. Same for Medicare cards, and thieves know that Medicare cards have the SSNs on them. I agree with Clark telling anyone who has Medicare benefits--don't carry the card unless they're going to the doctor that day and know they will have to show the card. Better yet, take a photocopy and give the office the photocopy.
SS on Medicare Cards
I black out all but the last four numbers on the card with magic marker. I present the medical providers the card as proof of coverage and then verbally provide the whole correct number. I never have had a problem and my MC card would do no good to a would be thief.
SS on Medicare Cards
I'm 82 years old ... I have never carried mu Social Security card on my person ... it is indelibility written in my menory ... I agree it is used by way too many businesses but until and unless we can force that to be changed ... well ... do what You have to do .....
SSN on medicare cards
It isn't the arrogant folks at Medicare. The SSN on the Medicare card is there because its is SUPPOSED to be for Social Security benefits. The real stinkers are the companies using the SSN not for its original purpose which are the Credit bureaus, the credit card companies and everybody else. THEY are the ones that should be using a different number
