Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Data breach affects 19,000 First State insurance customers

Delaware Department of Insurance

Delaware’s Department of Insurance is telling local consumers about security breach involving Summit Reinsurance Services, Inc. – or SummitRe – and BCS Financial Corporations.The breach affects over 19,000 Delawareans with employer-paid plans through the companies, which are subcontractors of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware.  

According to a letter sent to customers, information potentially exposed includes names, Social Security numbers, health insurance information, provider's names, and claim-focused medical records containing diagnosis and clinical information

 

The insurance department became aware of the issue through multiple consumer complaints.  

 

State Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro has ordered an investigation into the breach.

 

"Many Delawareans have received mailed correspondence from SummitRe explaining the breach. 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), said Navarro in a statement.

 

Those who’ve received letters from SummitRe regarding the situation – or those who have questions – are encouraged to contact the Delaware Department of Insurance.