SPRINGFIELD, IL (WEEK) - Protected health information of nearly 9,000 people could be compromised after a system mistake.
According to the press release, the error is due to changes to the State's eligibility system that incorrectly changed the addresses for 8,848 households within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and Department of Human Services (IDHS). The households were sent personal information of others. Notices were sent to the right customer name at the wrong customer address.
Of the 8,848 notices that were mailed, one included a complete Social Security number, and five notices included bank account numbers.Ìý
No one has reported identity theft in connection, so far.
The information depends on the type of notice that was mailed, according to the press release.
The notices may have included: name, case number, status as a recipient of medical assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, names of dependents, birth dates, medical information numbers (RIN), medical eligibility category, and medical coverage dates.
The departments have reportedly corrected the addresses to prevent future issues, and now are in the process of sending letters to people whose information was sent to the incorrect address, members of the Illinois General Assembly, and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
Individuals with questions may write to: HFS HIPAA/Privacy Officer, 201 South Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62763, or email [email protected].
Credit reporting agencies and the Federal Trade Commission can also offer information about fraud alerts and security freezes and contact information for those organizations are being provided to the affected individuals.
