Lost bag and insurance cards. Not sure what to do.

January 10, 2011 1:22 PM

Lost or stolen messenger bag with health insurance cards inside (and maybe other important things). Now what?

Long-winded explanation (or skip to the most pertinent questions in bold):

Last Friday (01/07), I was eating with some friends near Union Square when I noticed that my bag was missing. I know that I had it with me when I entered the restaurant because I remember getting out my water bottle. We couldn't find it anywhere nearby, so I left my contact info and a description of the bag with an employee. (Although I don't expect that to help, I figured it was worth a shot.)

Possibly sensitive materials that were inside:
- Paycheck
Not endorsed. May have my address and/or phone number.
- Health insurance cards
Thing that's bugging me: I use a separate cardholder for healthcare stuff, but can't remember all of the cards that were inside. For example: I *think* there was a separate card for dental, but I'm not sure.
- Receipts from internet purchases, with name and address
Possibly my phone number? Other information?

Other things which may or may not be important:
- Immunization record
Or at least that's what I think it was. A yellow card with a growth chart and scribbled notes. I've had it for as long as I can remember.
- Flash drive
As far as I know, there was nothing on it except for schoolwork and entertainment (ebooks, movies, etc.) Thought I'd mention it anyway.

I've contacted my doctor to ask about what should be done with regards to the insurance cards (and called the company, but have yet to get through the automated answering system) and told my employer about the missing check. Other than that, is there something else I can do, or something I should be doing? Should I file a police report? Am I at risk for identity fraud?

Also, I probably already know and am afraid of the answer, but: how likely is it that I'll get my bag back?

Other potentially relevant information:
- Aside from the things I've already mentioned, there was nothing particularly valuable inside (ignoring sentimental value). Most costly item would probably be a 6+ year old iPod mini which can barely hold a charge. The bag itself only cost about 13 bucks.
- I still have my debit card, state ID, etc. because I kept my wallet in my pocket (which I am UNBELIEVABLY thankful for).
- Part of the reason I don't remember many details about my health insurance is that I'm a teenager who has just recently exerted a bit of independence from controlling parents. That is, I've only recently been using the cards and going to doctor's appointments alone.
- Similarly, I haven't told my parents about what happened and do not plan on doing so. Right now I'm just trying to replace everything as quickly and quietly as possible.
(If they knew, I don't think they'd be much help anyway. Neither of them speak much English, so I'd still have to do all the legwork on my own.)

What really bothers me (aside from, y'know, missing my stuff) is that I don't remember exactly what was inside my bag. What if I've forgotten something WILDLY IMPORTANT? What if I was a moron and wrote my SSN or bank account number or something somewhere but just forgot about it? (I don't think I have, but it's possible...) The uncertainty and worry has been gnawing away at the back of my brain for days. What if what if what if.

Sorry for the blathering. Any advice would be greatly appreciated; thank you so much!

(throwaway e-mail: [e-mail])

posted by anonymous to Grab Bag (7 answers total)

Health insurance fraud is becoming common. Even if the thief doesn't need your health insurance, they may sell the cards to someone else. At least tell your parents about this, if you are insured through them, so they can report it. It's not your fault you were robbed, and you were smart enough to keep your wallet on your person, so just tell them about the insurance cards if nothing else.
posted by Knowyournuts at 1:28 PM on January 10, 2011

Go ahead and report the theft. The cops may not be able to offer much help, but you never know - it might turn up, and then you'll be able to claim your missing property. It may also make it easier to get a new insurance card. I've lost my insurance card - getting a new one isn't that big a deal. Getting a representative on the phone is the hardest part.

You mentioned that you are an independent teenager. Do you live with your parents? Are you on their health policy? If so, your replacement health insurance card will likely come to them. Consider whether you may want to tell them about the stolen bag. (This is coming from someone who left a backpack of textbooks unattended in 7th grade, discovered they had disappeared, and was subsequently accused by her parents of having sold them for drugs. Yes, Social Studies textbooks are the currency of the underworld. )

This kind of thing happens to all of us. It sound like everything in the bag was replaceable. Good luck, and may your replacement cards arrive at jet speed.
posted by abirae at 1:48 PM on January 10, 2011

Should I file a police report?

Yes. Not because they can help you recover your bag (they can't) but because you need to have a police report to back you up if you start having to deal with identity-theft-related hassles.
posted by amyms at 1:54 PM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

This may be (probably is?) the first time you've lost something important, whether it was stolen or simply picked up accidentally by someone else, unlikely as that is. You probably have an awful clutchy feeling in your chest; you're worried about the contents, you don't know exactly what was in it, and you wish you could go back in time and change whatever sequence of events led to the loss.

This is so, so normal. And the clutchy feeling / feeling like a moron / feeling guilty will end soon.

Get new insurance cards, replace the bag, and remember that this happens, eventually, to everyone. And if you're me, it happens more than once. You sound like a very responsible and conscientious person, and this one thing does not change that in any way. Just part of being an adult.
posted by charmcityblues at 2:03 PM on January 10, 2011

So, you were eating at a restaurant and someone came by and took your bag and no one noticed?

I would've filed a police report when it happened (after verifying with the restaurant that they hadnt seen it). So, yes, you should do that.

I've lost so many health insurance cards over the years - all you need to do is call and ask for a new one. In the mean time, they can give you the member ID in case you need to go to the doctor. I am sure they would be able to tell you if you had a separate dental card. Or ask someone at work who has the insurance (if you get it through work).

I have never been to a doctor where they didn't ask for my license for my first appointment. Not saying some don't... and not saying someone couldn't use your health care card... but I doubt it, personally.

Your check... well... I'm pretty sure that'll be gone.
posted by KogeLiz at 2:08 PM on January 10, 2011

Not to derail, but...

I have never been to a doctor where they didn't ask for my license for my first appointment. Not saying some don't... and not saying someone couldn't use your health care card... but I doubt it, personally.

Actually, my doctor's office has a big sign posted about this. It's a warning to keep your cards secure and check your bills carefully. You'd think they could help us out by always checking IDs, yes. I don't have an explanation for it, but since my doctor's office is issuing warnings about health insurance card fraud, I just thought I'd pass along that info to the OP.
posted by Knowyournuts at 2:33 PM on January 10, 2011

Definitely contact your employer about the stolen check, and perhaps see if they offer Direct Deposit for the future.

Also contact the health insurance people about the missing card, and emphasize that it was stolen, so they can put whatever fraud flags they have (if any) in place on their end.
posted by spinifex23 at 3:06 PM on January 10, 2011