The latest issue of Consumer Report's Money Advisor has a very interesting article on companies that compile tons of personal information; what they have, how they use it, and why we should know about it.

There is the obvious info such as credit history, property insurance claims, background checks, etc. but the most interesting part is your health history.

Three companies, the MIB Group, IntelliScript, and MedPoint collect and compile our prescription drug history for the last 5 years, including dosages, refills and doctors. They also have access to conditions reported on your insurance applications, as well as test results from medical underwriting exams. Supposedly our actual medical records are not reported or collected.

This info is used when you apply for individual life or health coverage. The prospective insurer checks your MIB report, and IntelliScript or MedPoint reports to see if you have omitted info on your application, and to determine your risk class and to set your premiums, or decide to not insure you at all.

The good news is these reports are covered under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) so just like credit reports, you can request free copies of by calling these companies:
MIB: 866-692-6901
IntelliScript: 877-211-4816
MedPoint: 888-206-0335

I am ordering copies of mine out of curiosity.

The article goes on to say that if you don't want companies sharing your personal information the best defense is to fill out and return the Privacy Rights notices they send in the mail.

Well, that's rather discomforting....

I also heard recently that Facebook users who use certain Facebook applications, especially the quizzes, are revealing a lot of personal info to the developers.

Here is more info about that:

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/what_facebook_quizzes_know_about_you.php

"Interestingly enough, those who pay for drugs in cash often aren't included in the databases."

http://www.naturalnews.com/025372_health_hospitals_hospital.html

Like people keep getting told, use your insurance to fill scrips at your own risk... Especially these days.