Should assisted living management be given copies of medicare card and social security card?

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Should assisted living management be given copies of medicare card and social security card?

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We recently move my MIL from one assisted living to another one a couple blocks away. There was a series of changes, poor business decisions at the old one that motivated our move. At the new place, they have insisted on having copies of her medicare card and social security card. They already have a copy of her state ID (not drivers license), and insurance card (medicare advantage plan). I am hesitant to provide what they are asking for. Their explanation: "Our Corporate office mandates the collection of these copies from all residents as a precautionary measure in case of emergency hospital visits. Additionally, it helps to verify the identity of individuals receiving healthcare services to prevent any instances of mistaken identity". Our prior assisted living never asked for these documents. Is this a normal request? thanks

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I am the POA. MIL has been transported to hospital by ambulance several times, without family present, never a problem because the AL has her ID and insurance card. They have no need for her Medicare card for hospital admissions or medical treatment, her Medicare Advantage plan (UHC) is primary.

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Reply to texasbrit

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I see no reason to provide them with a social security number. Social security numbers were never meant to be used for identification purposes for anyone but the government. That is why the social security number was removed from medicare cards a number of years back--- doctor's offices and others had access to individuals social security numbers. To many people could mess with a person's identity. Not a good thing. A driver 's license or state issued i.d. should suffice. I refuse to give my number to people who want it for i.d. purposes. Youbare only legally required to provide it in a few instances-see the following:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doctor-social-security-number-medical_n_5a7222e7e4b05253b2753682

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Reply to Pjdela

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In my opinion, her SS card can be shown (not copied) to the person admitting her to the AL so they know the number you write on her paperwork is correct. I had my son do that when they wanted a copy of his card for a new job.

My mom was in two different nursing homes and neither required a copy of her card. Medicare is linked to SS, I believe, so the hospital can probably get that info anyway.

However, if you're POA, I suggest your put a freeze on her credit to prevent any attempts to defraud her. DON'T lose the password the credit agencies provide to unlock it, though, if you think there'd ever be a reason to reopen it. It's the only way to do it.

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Reply to MJ1929

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Stationers have a stamp that says ‘copy’. Stamping the copy should help to stop it being used fraudulently, which is probably what worries you.

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Reply to MargaretMcKen

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We gave copies of medicare and supplemental insurance card and Drivers license. Was told drivers license was to verify identification, and medicare/ insurance they would only use if they had to rush dad to ER with an AL escort (if family cannot make it in time) and provide this info.
did not have to give SS card

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Reply to strugglinson

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I can see why having her Medicare info would be helpful if they had to call 911 for her in case of emergency where family couldn't get to the ER right away, but her SSN? I can't imagine why they'd need this -- especially if you are her PoA. Maybe she doesn't have a PoA? They'd need her SSN to apply for Medicaid for her at some point. Enrolling in Medicare already required providing her SSN, so the fraud has already been prevented, as well as providing the state ID. I'm not buying the "mistaken identity" reason. As long as she provides her Medicare (and other coverage) cards and official state ID, they don't need her SSN.

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Reply to Geaton777

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I've NEVER had to show (nevermind leave a copy) of my mother's Social Security card anywhere she's lived, AL, Memory Care or IL, nor any hospital or rehab she's gone to. Drivers License or state issued ID card and all insurance cards like Medicare, yes, but that's all.

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Reply to lealonnie1

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My mom’s facility had copies of her drivers license, Medicare cards. I always had them in my wallet. Mom was sent to the ER several times and I never had to deal with showing her ID or insurance cards. The facility had taken care of this I guess when mom was in route to hospital and was kept on the computer. Her drivers license had expired but they accepted it.

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Reply to LisaNJ

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Yes. Having these copies does help to prevent fraudulent use.
Do supply these. There is no reason not to.
You have already, I would hope, if you are POA, closed down access to credit with the agencies, TransUnion, Experion, et al.

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Reply to AlvaDeer

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Should assisted living management be given copies of medicare card and social security card?

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