CONSUMER ALERT

VANCOUVER, Wash. — March 31, 2010 — Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler warns people to keep their insurance information secure because it can be a source of identity theft.

To avoid issues, consumers should treat their health insurance cards like they would other sensitive personal information. They should also review all information they receive from their insurance company or health care providers to make sure they aren't being billed for services they did not receive. If you find an issue, you should call your insurer right away.

Insurance fraud drives up costs of medical care for everyone. To learn more about how to avoid scams and help prevent fraud, visit Insurance Commissioner's website at "www.insurance.wa.gov" and click on FRAUD in the left hand column.

If you have fallen prey to an insurance scam or someone has tried to sell you a suspicious health insurance plan, report it to your Wash State Insurance Commissioner office at: 1-800-562-6900.

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