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Man Steals Identity to Fund Heart Surgery

Mentally-disabled friend billed for buddy's $350,000 operation

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 22, 2008 11:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – A Chicago man allegedly nicked the identity of a mentally disabled friend to fund a $350,000 heart bypass operation, say police. John Parsons, 57, was sure he would die without the surgery, said a relative; the alleged scam was uncovered after a caregiver began receiving copies of expenses billed to the man's Medicaid account. Mental-health advocates condemned the incident, while some remain confused by the case.

“You can't just walk in with somebody's Medicaid card like it's a credit card,” said a Medicaid rep. “A doctor would need to know blood type, medical history, and other records that just couldn't be faked.” The hospital will cover the cost of the surgery, but “unlike credit-card fraud where you can go back and seize that toaster or television they bought, how do you go back in there and get somebody's heart?” asked a police officer.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where John Parsons had his surgery. (AP Photo)

A Chicagoan allegedly stole a friend's identity to pay for a heart surgery. (Shutterstock)

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where John Parsons had his surgery. (AP Photo)

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Man Steals Identity to Fund Heart Surgery

Mentally-disabled friend billed for buddy's $350,000 operation

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On Way Out, Medicare Boss Bashes 'Extreme' Waste

Donald Berwick says 20-30% of health care spending helps no one

States Want OK to Cut Medicaid—Without Penalty

Governors battle Washington over measure in health reform law

Health Care Costs Hit All-Time High

And the government will soon be paying 50% of them

Medicaid Kids Given Antipsychotics 4X More

Seen as most effective treatment; counseling often goes by wayside

Obama Seeks Another $313B in Health Cuts

He wants to reduce Medicare payments to hospitals

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Man Steals Identity to Fund Heart Surgery

Mentally-disabled friend billed for buddy's $350,000 operation

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health care costs • Chicago • identity theft • Medicaid • heart surgery

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

On Way Out, Medicare Boss Bashes 'Extreme' Waste

Donald Berwick says 20-30% of health care spending helps no one

States Want OK to Cut Medicaid—Without Penalty

Governors battle Washington over measure in health reform law

Health Care Costs Hit All-Time High

And the government will soon be paying 50% of them

Medicaid Kids Given Antipsychotics 4X More

Seen as most effective treatment; counseling often goes by wayside

Obama Seeks Another $313B in Health Cuts

He wants to reduce Medicare payments to hospitals

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?