Millions of Americans feel the effects of health care fraud without ever being aware of it. This is a growing problem that takes each and every one of us to fight. If you know of anyone who has committed this type of crime then you should report them to the proper authorities immediately. This is a problem that will only grow worse unless we work together to put a stop to it.

Even our insurance premiums may be affected. When someone files a false claim and insurance companies pay out on it then they have to get that money back. They don't get it from the person who files the claim but from everyone who has insurance with them. No matter who files that claim it is all policy holders who pay in the end.

Government run programs are often the target of fraud. These programs are paid for by each and every one of us through tax dollars. When someone commits fraud it not only costs us but it could mean others are not getting the care they need. It may also mean the programs won't be around when we need them our selves.

Because of fraud in the health care system, some procedures and medications may not be available to those who need them most. Some of these could be life saving but instead people suffer and possibly die because of those who take advantage of the system or abuse narcotics. No person should have to live in pain because of other peoples addictions.

Health care providers are guilty as well. Every time a bill is padded or they charge for a procedure that wasn't done this is fraud. Some doctors and hospitals have even invented ghost patients to get more money. Fraud of this type could even be as simple as performing procedures that are not medically necessary.

While you may not be able to prove weather or not a procedure was necessary you can prove weather or not it was preformed. What one doctor considers legitimate another may say was unnecessary. This is a gray area and not all doctors will agree on what is best for a patient. More often than not this is left at the doctor's discretion.

Another form of medical care fraud is medical identity theft. This occurs when a person uses another's identity to gains access though their medical coverage or you may find huge medical bills in your name that aren't yours. They can also use your name to get narcotics due to an addiction. This can affect your medical records and be very dangerous.

The simple fact is that fraud affects each and every one of us. Imagine not being able to get medical coverage for your child because of other peoples fraudulent activities. Worse, imagine your child being given the wrong medication because of medical identity theft.

You can help prevent fraud simply by knowing what is in your medical files. Help insure that all people who need medical coverage can have access to it. Report any suspected fraud to proper authorities.