AI a double-edged sword for disability insurance – RGA

AI a double-edged sword for disability insurance – RGA | Insurance Business New Zealand

Reinsurance

AI a double-edged sword for disability insurance – RGA

What should carriers do to keep the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls?

Reinsurance

By
Kenneth Araullo

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted various industries, including the insurance sector.

While AI offers numerous benefits, it also presents potential risks, especially concerning fraud. According to insights from Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), disability insurers face growing challenges from fraudsters exploiting AI technology.

However, this same technology equips insurers with sophisticated tools to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Fraudsters can use AI to create highly convincing fake documentation and manipulated data, making it increasingly difficult for traditional fraud detection methods to keep pace.

AI algorithms can generate synthetic identities with fabricated medical histories and employment records to falsely claim disability benefits, RGA explained. These sophisticated forgeries can deceive even the most diligent human reviewers, leading to significant financial losses for disability insurers.

RGA noted that manipulating digital medical records is another tactic. Fraudsters can use AI to alter records, making it appear as though a claimant has a legitimate disability. Advanced image processing and natural language processing (NLP) technologies can modify diagnostic reports, medical imaging, and doctors’ notes to support false claims.

This type of fraud is particularly harmful because it exploits the trust placed in medical professionals and electronic health records (EHRs).

Many insurers use automated systems to process claims more efficiently, but these systems also present opportunities for exploitation. Fraudsters can use AI to study and understand the algorithms that drive these systems, identifying weaknesses and patterns that can be manipulated. For example, they might submit multiple claims with slight variations to see which ones get approved, refining their tactics over time to maximize success.

AI in fraud detection

RGA also emphasized that disability insurers are leveraging AI to combat fraud. Machine learning models can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies indicating fraudulent activity.

These models can be trained on historical claims data to recognize the common characteristics of fraudulent claims. By continuously learning from new data, AI systems can adapt to emerging fraud tactics, staying ahead of fraudsters.

AI-driven predictive analytics plays a crucial role in fraud prevention. By analyzing patterns in claims data, predictive models can identify high-risk claims that warrant further investigation. Anomaly detection algorithms can flag unusual behavior, such as sudden spikes in claims from a particular area or demographic, which may indicate an organized fraud ring.

These tools enable insurers to focus resources on the most suspicious cases, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of fraud investigations.

According to RGA, disability insurance companies are also using AI to enhance their verification processes. Voice recognition technology, for example, can verify the identity of claimants through voice and tone analysis.

Additionally, AI can cross-reference claims with external data sources, such as social media profiles and public records, to verify the accuracy of the information provided. This multi-layered approach makes it much harder for fraudsters to succeed.

Combating AI-enabled fraud requires a collaborative effort among insurance companies, technology providers, and regulatory agencies, RGA stressed. It noted the importance of continuous and collective investment in AI research and development. Sharing information about emerging fraud tactics and successful detection methods can help the entire industry stay ahead.

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