According to HHS officials, medical identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information, such as a name and Medicare number, and uses it to obtain medical care, buy drugs or supplies or bill Medicare. New tips and a printable brochure produced by the HHS Office of the Inspector General are now available online. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Assistant Attorney General Tony West are urging seniors to take steps to avoid medical identification theft and Medicare fraud. The Department of Justice will continue to collaborate with the HHS “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.” Read more…