I've got my papers for the sleep study I'm supposed to read and sign. One is for permission to release my SS number to the medical device manufacturer. Why on God's green Earth would they need that?

That is strange, I'm 99% sure I didn't have to sign anything like that when I got my machine. I wouldn't put it. If they really need it they can get it through your insurance company.

Our insurance company doesn't even have our social security numbers. When they first asked for them because they said they *had* to have them for identification purposes, my husband calmly handed them the pamphlet from the SS administration that said nobody can require you to give out your social security number (unless it has a government connection - opening bank accounts, driver's license, etc. etc.). They made up number for us. We didn't even give our children's numbers to the school.

Personally, I'd refuse to allow them to give it out.

EVERYONE is asking for SS #'s anymore and it is frustrating. I will not give it out as freely as they ask for it. I wouldn't give it to them...no reason for them to have it.