Legal Question in Insurance Law in Vermont

Protecting Privacy or Insurance Fraud?

Because of the lack of confidentiality of medical records today (and even less in the future when Electronic Medical Records and government health databases become the norm), I plan on changing my address, making up a D.O.B. and/or social security number when I sign up for my employers group health insurance plan. Since this is a group plan, we all pay the same premium and get the same coverage regardless of past health status. My question is... Would this still be considered insurance fraud even though the insurance company would be providing the same coverage for the same premium anyway? I.e. their bottom line is not affected. (If this is still considered fraud I would rather go without the insurance to protect my privacy.)


Asked on 2/17/08, 3:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Murray Steven W. Murray, APC

Re: Protecting Privacy or Insurance Fraud?

You should discuss this with the insurance agent handling the process. This is probably something the insurer will not agree to because you will be lying on the application. I would be surprised if they ever paid a claim - how could you go to your doctor, get treatment, and then have a bill submitted for a person the insurer does not insure? Unless you are going to have a totally new identity created including drivers license, social security card, all credit cards, etc., this makes no sense.

Insurers are fairly strict about the release of records, so perhaps your fears are based on rumor or unfounded new stories.

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Answered on 2/18/08, 1:26 pm


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