Medical Identity Theft: Are You a Victim?

Medical identity theft is an escalating threat, as criminals increasingly exploit personal health information for fraudulent activities. In 2023, medical identity theft accounted for 15% of all identity theft cases in the U.S., and this number keeps climbing every year.

One of the most recent and alarming incidents is the Change Healthcare data breach, which has put the private medical information of millions of Americans at risk. Let’s break down what happened, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if you think you're a victim.

The Change Healthcare Breach: What Happened?

In early 2024, Change Healthcare, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions, announced that it had fallen victim to a cyberattack that exposed sensitive personal data. This means a lot of sensitive information—names, Social Security numbers, addresses, insurance details, even medical records—might be exposed.?

The US Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed that over 100 million people were affected, making it the largest medical and health data breach in the US.?

The implications of this data breach are far-reaching. Hackers can exploit this stolen information to commit identity theft, file fraudulent insurance claims, or even seek medical treatment under a victim’s name, leading to severe financial and personal consequences for those affected.

How to Tell If You Are a Victim of Medical Identity Theft

Medical identity theft can be sneaky. You might not even realize it's happening until you see one of these signs:

1. Medical Record Discrepancies: Regularly review your health records to ensure accuracy. If you find treatments or procedures you didn’t receive, investigate further with your healthcare provider.
2. Unexpected Medical Bills: Be wary of bills for services or treatments you haven’t received or for services rendered at unfamiliar facilities.
3. Medical Collections Notices: If debt collectors contact you about unpaid medical bills for services you didn’t receive, it’s a red flag that your identity may have been compromised.
4. Insurance Coverage Issues: Scrutinize your insurance statements. Unexpected claims or exhausted benefits could indicate unauthorized use of your identity.

What to Do If Your Medical Identity Is Stolen

If you believe you’re a victim of medical identity theft, there are several actions you should take immediately:

1. Contact the Affected Provider: Did you receive a notification from Change Healthcare about the breach? Contact them or the affected provider directly. Report the suspected identity theft and inquire about how they'll secure your affected data.
2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report. This prevents others from opening new accounts in your name.
3. Monitor Your Health Records: Be proactive! Regularly monitor your health records for unauthorized entries. Many healthcare providers offer online portals for convenient access to your medical history.
4. Report to Authorities: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. This helps build a national record of the crime and assists with further investigation. Also, consider contacting your state attorney general's office for local support.
5. Monitor Your Insurance Statements: Regularly check your insurance statements for fraudulent claims. If you discover anything suspicious, report it to your insurance provider immediately.

The Bottom Line

The Change Healthcare data breach highlights the growing risk of medical identity theft and the potential consequences. Be vigilant and proactive in monitoring your medical and financial records to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. If you think your info might have been compromised, don't hesitate to take action.

By staying alert and taking precautions, you can minimize the damage and keep your personal health information safe.

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