Investments continued
Identity Theft continued forms in a secure, locked file or drawer. When managing your health or insurance accounts online, be wary of any site that asks you to share sensitive information like your Social Security number, insurance account number or details of your medical conditions. Look for the hallmarks that a website is secure, including a web address (URL) that begins with “https” (the “s” stands for “secure”) and a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of the page. Picking through trash is a common ploy of identity thieves. Shred your discarded health insurance forms, bills and medical records before disposing of them. Destroy the labels on your prescription pill bottles and packages before throwing them away. The OIG also offers tips for medical identity theft protection, including: Treat your Medicare and Social Security numbers and cards as carefully as you would your credit cards. Be wary of anyone who asks for your Medicare number in exchange for “free” medical equipment or services. If what they’re offering is really free, they shouldn’t
need your numbers. Never let anyone use your Medicare ID card. The Ponemon survey found that a growing number of survey respondents (5 percent more in 2012 than in 2011) have allowed a family member to use their personal identification to obtain medical services, including treatment, healthcare products or pharmaceuticals. Doing so is against the law, and may afford unscrupulous individuals the chance to use that information for unauthorized purposes. According to the Ponemon survey, it takes, on average, about a year to resolve an instance of medical identity theft, and a quarter of the survey respondents said it took more than two years. As with a serious medical issue, resolution can be made more challenging depending on how long the problem is allowed to fester. Take an active role in protecting your
ARA
medical information from identity thieves. Check your medical records regularly and keep an eye on all your financial and credit accounts. Products like ProtectMyID can help. As a comprehensive identity theft detection, protection and resolution product, it can help you prevent the damages caused by identity theft. “Medical identity theft hits consumers both medically and financially,” says Dr. Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute. “For three years in a row, our findings have consistently shown that medical identity theft crime continues to increase in terms of prevalence and costs to the victim.”
when evaluating a disability insurance policy? Meet with an experienced financial professional. He or she can help you choose a disability solution tailored to your own personal financial security needs. Assess the company behind the product. Financial strength ratings are key indicators of policy performance and claims paying ability. Consider your long-term income needs. In the event of a disability, your policy should work within your larger financial plan to provide a steady stream of income - so you don’t need to dip into your retirement nest egg. Financial security planning is a lifelong process that starts with risk protection. And the risk of an unexpected disability can jeopardize your ability to earn an income, which is your most valuable asset. Protecting your income with individual disability insurance can provide lifestyle protection for you and your family, meaning you can feel more in control of your future.
don’t lose me. microchip me. If your pet is ever lost, your chances of finding him significantly improve if he is microchipped.
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Dr. Kimberly Kelly E Medicine E Surgery E Dentistry E Grooming E Boarding
1839 Eason Blvd. E Tupelo E 662.840.0110 E www.cloverhavenanimalhospital.com
Take the first step to providing Peace of Mind for your family. Pre-planning saves your family from overwhelming questions best answered by you. You may think you are being thoughtful by leaving it up to them, but the best thing is to leave them some guidelines. Call us for a free brochure. Your family will be glad you did.
SOUTHERN HOME SAFETY, INC.
TORNADO SHELTERS Toll Free: 888-544-9074 or 315-1695 Senior Citizen & Handicap accessible.
Residential & Community shelters available. Est. 1891 535 Jefferson Street • Tupelo • 842-4872 | 280 Mobile Street • Saltillo • 869-2130
Above Ground, Saferooms or Hillside installations available. www.southernhomesafety.com
Document: A002NIC092812.eps;Page: 1;Format:(262.13 x 295.40 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Sep 26, 2012 11:31:41;JPC 72 DPI
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