SIA Backs Biometrics to Improve Integrity of Medicare, Medicaid Programs

Comments submitted to Senate Finance Committee

SILVER SPRING, MD.  Biometric technology could provide a highly effective way to reduce fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Security Industry Association (SIA) advised the Senate Finance Committee on Friday. The committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and Medicaid, on May 2 released an open letter in which it sought “solutions and suggestions for how to better prevent and combat the multi-billion dollar problem of waste, fraud and abuse” in the federal government’s two largest health care programs.

SIA responded with a white paper in which it asserted that “the use of biometrics in identification and authentication will meet the goals of the reforms” identified by the committee.
The association stated that the use of biometrics would have several positive effects, including protecting beneficiaries, since it would “provide assurance that patient information is protected and is bound to the correct person” and improving payment integrity by “ensuring that services claimed to have been delivered to beneficiaries actually have been delivered.”

SIA stressed the importance of privacy protection in the implementation of a biometric program, stating that beneficiaries must have control over how biometric data is used and that best practices must be utilized to protect personally identifiable information. It also pointed committee members to the SIA Privacy Framework, which provides guidelines for implementing electronic security technology in a way that maximizes both security and privacy.

The Finance Committee plans to release a document that includes key proposals this year.

About the Security Industry Association (SIA)

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for electronic and physical security solution providers. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and fostering collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Expos and Conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground Conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.