In this day and age, when you think of identity theft you automatically think about computers and losing your personal information over the web digitally, but there are many other ways you could have your identity stolen. Aside from computers, the easiest way to have your identity stolen is through the use of physical media like your drivers license, Social Security card, or your Medicare card, and this is why one Senator is fighting to have personal identification numbers removed from important documents.
Change is needed
Do you carry your Social Security card around with you? What happens if and you lose, or have your wallet or purse stolen? A identity thief would easily be able to steal your identity if you had your social security card in it. Most people now leave their personal identification cards at home, but what about the millions of people who are currently on Medicare?
The many millions who currently participate in the Medicare program have to carry around their Medicare card with them. The Medicare card has both the patients SSN and date of birth printed on the card, and that is a major cause for concern. Luckily one Senator has seen the light, and is now working towards changing this.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, (Democrat from New York) is seeking to stop the use of Social Security numbers on Medicare cards. Senator Gillibrand is shocked that the Medicare cards still have patients Social Security numbers, and dates of birth on them. Gillibrand said that use of personal identification numbers on the Medicare cards puts millions of people at a major risk when it comes to having their identity stolen/ Gillibrand is now hoping that the new bill will put an end to the use of Social Security numbers on the cards.
A new plan for protection
Many believe that Social Security numbers are over used, and that they are being used beyond their intended purpose. There are 33 states right now that prohibit the the use of personal identification numbers on insurance cards, simply because are not needed for patients to receive treatment.
The new legislation which is called the Social Security Number Protection Act, would make it so that Social Security numbers could not be used on a federal level. This means that new Medicare cards would not have these numbers on them, which would also mean that the millions of citizens on the Medicare program could carry their cards without having to worry about getting their number or their identity stolen.
Social Security numbers are invaluable to both you, and to identity thieves because they act as personal identification. When your SSN is used with your date of birth, identity thieves could easily open credit cards, or get other lines of credit with your personal information. If this were to happen your good name will quickly turn sour. This is why Senator Gillibrand is fighting for the new protection act.
How to protect yourself
If you are currently on Medicare, and you are worried about carrying the Medicare card around with you, there is something you can do to protect your information.
If you have access to a scanner, or photocopier, simply make a copy of both sides of your Medicare card. Once you have copied the card, cut the copies out of the paper. Carefully cut the last four digits of your personal identification number out of the card. Then simply glue the front of the card to the copy of the back.
Now you have a copy of your Medicare card that does not have your entire Social Security number on it. You can carry this card around with you knowing that if you lose, or have your purse, or wallet stolen, nobody will have access to your full Social Security number. You will still be able to receive treatment when presenting this card at hospitals and current doctors.
Keep your real Medicare card (or any important document) in a safe place, like a fire proof safe in your home. The only time you will have to take the Medicare card out with you is when you visit a new doctor for the first time. Follow these simple steps and be one step ahead of the identity thieves.
The Urgency of ID Theft Prevention
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