Care Choices Removes Social Security Numbers From ID Cards

Randomly generated numbers ensures member privacy

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 5, 2005—Care Choices HMO will issue thousands of identification cards through the end of December 2005 to ensure its members receive new cards without Social Security numbers. Care Choices not only eliminated Social Security numbers from member ID cards, but actually converted information systems to produce random, Unique Member Identifiers (UMIs) for other routine benefit administration activities and reporting as well.

“We are supportive of the ongoing Michigan legislation to stop the explosion of identity theft and assist people in keeping their confidential personal information secure,” said Laurie Westfall, chief operations officer at Care Choices. “Although new privacy and security initiatives may be mandated by public policy, we do not view this as the only reason for our efforts. This initiative was initially begun in response to our members’ concerns and has been carefully planned to be completed by year-end,” added Westfall.

According to Barry Coffield, chief privacy officer, Care Choices, the UMI initiative complements ongoing efforts and commitment to protecting member privacy. “Our commitment to respect privacy is simply the right thing to do. It supports the trusting member relationships that are so critical to providing quality care,” said Coffield.

See a sample Care Choices HMO member ID card.

About Care Choices
Care Choices is a health benefits management company and a subsidiary of Trinity Health, one of the nation’s leading providers of health care services. Since 1986, Care Choices has been providing quality health care coverage to thousands of members throughout Michigan. The Care Choices suite of products includes Care Choices HMO, Care Choices PPO, Preferred Choices PPO and consumer-directed plans. Care Choices offers a broad, fully integrated network of physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals all sharing a strong commitment to improving the health status of the communities it serves by delivering effective and affordable health care. Care Choices HMO maintains the highest rating available of Excellent by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Care Choices HMO was the top-rated commercial health plan in Michigan and among the top 10 in the nation according to “U.S. News & World Report/NCQA America’s Best Health Plans, 2005.”