Medicare: CMS Needs an Approach and a Reliable Cost Estimate for Removing Social Security Numbers from Medicare Cards
Abstract
More than 48 million Medicare cards display the SSN, which increases Medicare beneficiaries' vulnerability to identity theft. GAO was asked to review the options and associated costs for removing SSNs from the Medicare card. This report (1) describes the various options for removing the SSN from Medicare cards; (2) examines the potential benefits and burdens associated with different options; and (3) examines CMS's cost estimates for removing SSNs from Medicare cards. To do this work, GAO reviewed CMS's report, cost estimates, and relevant supporting documentation. GAO also interviewed officials from CMS and other agencies that perform Medicare related activities (the Social Security Administration and Railroad Retirement Board), as well as officials from DOD and VA, which have undertaken SSN removal efforts. GAO also interviewed private health insurance companies and relevant stakeholder groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1152095
Entities
People
- Andrea E. Richardson
- Carrie Davidson
- Daniel Bertoni
- David Barish
- Drew Long
- James M Bennett
- Kathleen King
- Lori Rectanus
- Sarah Harvey
- Thomas Walke
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office