Identity Theft and Health Insurance

* Re “Stealing a Person’s Good Name a New Choice of Thieves,” Jan. 16.

I agree that it is not a good idea to carry your Social Security card in your wallet. But what about your health insurance card? Most (if not all) health insurance companies use a member’s Social Security number as an ID number.

I have been told that it is within my rights to request a new ID number, one that is not identical to my Social Security number. I have demanded that my health insurance company change my number, and I suggest that anyone else who is concerned about identity fraud should do the same.

ROSE CALABRESE

Valley Glen