Medicare Card Fraud: Protect your Identity!

There are so many stories about identity theft in the news lately.  Join Dr. Hulon Crayton, as he shares with you a quick and simple step to protect your identity.

Pictured below is a Medicare card card and a social security card.  We all know that protecting our social security numbers is important.  However, your Medicare card typically has your social security number on it.  In the unfortunate event that your wallet or purse is stolen, the thief not only has your money but now has your personal information that can lead to financial disaster.  An identify thief can take your driver’s license and social security number off your Medicare card and have all the information they need to assume your identity and open lines of credit in your name.

A simple solution to carrying your original Medicare card with your social security number is this.  Make a copy of your Medicare card.  With a black marker, mark through the first 5 numbers leaving only the last 4 numbers visible.  Carry the altered version of your Medicare card with you and place your original Medicare card in a secure location such as a safety deposit box or safe.  When you are required to present your Medicare card to physician’s offices or pharmacies, simply fill in your full Medicare card on the required paperwork. 

This is a quick and simple action for you to take to help protect your identity. 

For more information from Dr. Hulon Crayton with The Arthritis & Infusion Center on arthritis, helpful tips, or on my practice, follow me on Twitter, Facebook or visit my website.