Social Security Number - Should Health Care Providers Be Asking for It?
Sunday July 2, 2006
When asked for your Social Security number, do you always disclose it? Do you assume whoever is asking for it must need it or they wouldn't be asking? Do you ever question why they need it? Increasing problems with identity theft have caused people to become more cautious about giving out their Social Security number.
Would it surprise you to know you do not have to provide your Social Security number to private health care providers and insurers? Government health plans such as Medicare can require a Social Security number however. Protecting your Social Security number is important. Read more in When Should I Give Out My Social Security Number?
Related Resources:
- Don't Be a Victim of Identity Theft
- 10 Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft
- How to Help Prevent Identity Theft in 8 Easy Steps
Photo by rarpia (iStockphoto)
Comments
I was just denied care by a physician in El Paso, TX because my SS# is not on my insurance card and I would not give the office any more than the last 4 digits. At first they told me that I would have to pay for the visit and be reimbursed by the insurance company (and I agreed); and then they told me that I would have to file my own insurance papers (and I agreed); at that point, they told me that the Dr said that if they were not going to file my insurance papers, that “he would not see me…I should find another Dr.”… Do you know how and to whom I complain about this? Thank you…RW, EP TX
As with any insurance problem you may have, it may help to call your health insurance provider (customer service). They would be able to tell you if this has happened to others and what the solution has been from their end. You may also try asking the About.com Health Insurance guide for advice –
http://healthinsurance.about.com/ Let us know what you find out.