Anthem data breach could affect over 62,000 Delawareans

Over 62,000 Delawareans may have had their personal information compromised in a cyber attack on health insurer Anthem Inc., Delaware insurance officials said Thursday.

Anthem is the largest for-profit company in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which includes Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware.

The Delaware Department of Insurance stated in a release that Delawareans who have an Anthem group plan through their employer and Highmark members who utilized BlueCard, a national program that gives access to Blue Cross healthcare services throughout the country, may be affected by the data breach.

"At this point in the investigation, we continue to work with Anthem to reconcile files," said Matt Stehl, manager of Highmark's corporate communications. Stehl said the company would be sending a letter to affected Highmark Delaware consumers and advise them to enroll in Anthem's free identity-protection services. They will also receive direct communication from Anthem, he said.

Personal information that may be compromised includes names, birth dates, member ID, Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers and employment information. The department said banking and credit card information may not have been stolen.

"Anthem is not calling members regarding the cyberattack and is not asking for credit card information or Social Security numbers over the phone," Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart said in the release. "Policyholders will be contacted only through the U.S. Postal Service. Beware of contact by telephone or through the internet; it is most likely a scam."

The breach affects consumers who enrolled in Athem policies from 2004 on.

The department urges that consumers be on the lookout for suspicious links sent via email or social media that may try to collect information such as user names, passwords and credit card information.

Customers who believe they may be affected should visit www.AnthemFacts.com to learn about enrolling in two years of free credit monitoring and identity-theft repair services.

The website states: "All impacted members, former members and impacted affiliated plan members will receive notice via mail which will advise them of the protections being offered. Impacted members may also sign up via www.AnthemFacts.com." People can also call this toll-free number: (877) 263-7995.

Jen Rini can be reached at (302) 324-2386 or jrini@delawareonline.com. Follow @JenRini on Twitter.