US GAO: To reduce fraud, MediCare smatrcards need biometrics

Smart cards would do little to curtail Medicare fraud: GAO (McKnight's)

...[K]ey [smartcard] benefits, including the ability to electronically exchange beneficiary medical information and electronically convey beneficiary identity and insurance information to providers, would do little or nothing to deter fraud, experts said.

Adding certain layers of protection to smart cards like biometric biometric information or a picture ID could help to deter fraud, the GAO said.

Note: GAO = Government Accountability Office