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| Date: | April 4, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR GIMSE HOSTS MEETING AIMED TO PREVENT MEDICAID FRAUD Proposed ideas also seek to eliminate medical identity theft and protect privacy |
St. Paul --- State Senator Joe Gimse (R-Willmar) recently hosted a meeting of legislative leaders and Executives from PrimeWest Health to discuss a proposal known as the “Smart ID Card.” Some of the benefits addressed by utilizing a Smart ID Card were eliminating medical identity theft, preventing Medicaid fraud and helping to protect patient privacy.
“At a time where everyone is looking at ways to bend the rising cost curve of health care, I think it is important to consider unique approaches that help to ensure responsible and affordable medical care for an aging population,” said Sen. Gimse. “I think there are distinct advantages that the Smart ID Card brings to the way health care is facilitated in Minnesota.”
The only thing stored on the Smart ID Card itself is a unique, randomly assigned encrypted identifier which contains eligibility information. A patient’s medical records and personal information are not stored on the card. Since the only data available is patient eligibility information, reception staff at the health care facility will be able to access to this information. In the future, care providers will be able to use the Smart ID Card to gain instant, up-to-date access to patient’s medical records and claims data.
“Understanding that the person receiving medical benefits is actually that person before you is very important,” said Sen. Gimse. “It can be as simple or complex as it needs to be. This card offers real time technology that asserts a person’s identity, which is critical for doctors and hospital staff.”
Sen. Gimse also mentioned that he thought the meeting was very beneficial for the lawmakers in attendance. He expects that the technology being promoted by PrimeWest will be extremely useful as the legislature works to help health care providers deliver more affordable, quality patient care.
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