Anthem, Inc. learned last week that hackers had gained unauthorized access to Anthem's data systems and obtained personal information from current and former health plan members -- and Anthem employees.
It was reported that the hackers had potential access to data records for around 80 million people that included member and employee names, birthdays, medical IDs, Social Security numbers, street addresses, email addresses, and employment information (that included income data).
However, Anthem noted that "there is no evidence that credit card or medical information, such as claims, [health care] test results or diagnostic codes were targeted or compromised."
Further, although the affected IT system included data records for 80 million people, Anthem believes that not all the data was accessed. However the actual number of data records hacked still could be in the "tens of millions," making this data breech the largest ever for a healthcare company.
To assist past and current Anthem health plan members, the company will:
- Notify current and past members about the data breach and inform them about what data was accessed by the hackers
- Provide credit monitoring and identity theft protections services at no cost
Anthem has created a special website with
FAQs dedicated to the data-breach issue and will update the site as new information is learned:
www.AnthemFacts.com.
Anthem has also "established a dedicated toll-free number that both current and former members can call if they have questions related to this incident. That number is: 1-877-263-7995."
Anthem Inc., is the nation's second-largest health insurer and was previously known as WellPoint Inc. Anthem, Inc. was formed when Anthem Insurance Company bought WellPoint Health Networks back in 2004. Anthem stock quotes can be viewed on the Wall Street Journal site:
http://quotes.wsj.com/ANTM