Initial reports indicated that only providers who use their Social Security number (SSN) as their tax ID number were affected by a security breach at the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), but the scope of the breach was actually much wider.
SSNs for nearly 58,000 providers in Pennsylvania—all health care providers who participate in Highmark’s Premier Blue Network—were included on a laptop that was stolen from an employee of the BCBSA.
There is no evidence that any data has been misused so far, but physicians should carefully monitor credit reports, account statements, and explanations of benefits. BCBSA is offering one year of free credit monitoring to those providers affected.
The Pennsylvania Delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA) introduced a resolution at the AMA’s interim meeting asking for extension and expansion of credit monitoring and identity theft protection. An amended resolution was adopted by the AMA House of Delegates.
For more information—including why Highmark releases SSNs to BCBSA—read our FAQ.
For advice on avoiding identity theft, visit the AMA website.