Data breach affects 19,000 Highmark BCBS of Delaware members

The Delaware Department of Insurance announced that two subcontractors of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware are connected to a data breach affecting 19,000 policyholders.

The following is a statement from the Delaware Department of Insurance:

19,000 Delaware Consumers Affected by Data Breach

As a result of multiple consumer complaints, the Delaware Department of Insurance has been made aware of a security breach, involving Summit Reinsurance Services, Inc. (“SummitRe”) and BCS Financial Corporation, both subcontractors of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. The breach affects thousands of Delawareans with employer-paid plans. As reported by Karen Kane, Director of Privacy and Information Management for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, the breach impacts a total of sixteen current and former Highmark self-insured customers and approximately 19,000 of their members. In response, Commissioner Navarro issued the following statement:

“We are aware of the reported breach. I would like to ensure Delaware consumers that the Department of Insurance takes this matter seriously and is currently investigating how this occurred. I have directed my staff to closely monitor the situation as it develops. Many Delawareans have received mailed correspondence frpom SummitRe explaining the breach (See Attachment). Unfortunately, we fear that many may have misinterpreted or inadvertently discarded the letter as some form of a sales ad (due to the fact that they had not purchased any line of insurance from SummitRe).  If consumers have received a letter from SummitRe regarding this situation and have questions, they may contact the Delaware Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611 or 302-674-7300, or by e-mail at consumer[at]state[dot]de[dot]us.”

The Commissioner has ordered an investigation into the reported breach. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is cooperating with the Delaware Department of Insurance to resolve the matter.

Click here for more official information on the data breach.