October 19, 2009 - OIG Posted Press Release

A release on a new Medical Identity Theft resource. The full press release with a link to the resource (which can also be printed out and folded into a paper brochure) is here:
http://www.oig.hhs.gov/publications/docs/press/2009/IDTheftBrochure.pdf.

A portion of that release, including a quote from the Inspector General, follows:
Sebelius, West Highlight New Tips to Prevent Medical Identity Theft and Medicare
Fraud. New Information Available at www.StopMedicareFraud.gov.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Assistant Attorney General Tony West today highlighted the Obama Administration's work to fight Medicare Fraud and released new tips and information to help seniors and Medicare beneficiaries deter, detect and defend against Medical identity theft.

Medical identity theft occurs when someone steals a patient's personal information, such as his or her name and Medicare number, and uses the information to obtain medical care, to buy drugs or supplies, or to fraudulently bill Medicare using that patient's stolen identity. The new tips and a printable brochure were produced by the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and are available now at www.StopMedicareFraud.gov and www.oig.hhs.gov.

"When criminals steal from Medicare, they are stealing from all of us. That's why fighting Medicare fraud is one of the Obama Administration's top priorities," said Secretary Sebelius. "Preventing medical identify theft is an important part of our work
to stop Medicare fraud, and these tools will give seniors important information about
how to deter, detect and defend against ID theft and fraud."

"This Administration is committed to guarding Medicare against fraud and abuse,"
noted Assistant Attorney General West. "The Department of Justice (DOJ), in collaboration with our partners at the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS), will continue to protect the integrity of the nation's public health programs and vigorously pursue those who seek to take advantage of our most vulnerable citizens."

"Medical identity theft can disrupt your life, damage your credit rating, and threaten your health if inaccurate information ends up in your medical records," added HHS Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.
"OIG's special agents frequently uncover fraud schemes that involve the sale and use of stolen Medicare identification numbers. We're cracking down on these schemes and working to help stop medical identity theft before it happens."